Environmental Design at University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,952/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (36,100 openings/yr)
ROI 14.7x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 6 Environmental Design programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Environmental Design graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $650K $634K $577K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.1x 14.7x 13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.2x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 66% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,128
Out-of-state: $122,288 (5.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,880
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,289
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University at Buffalo's Environmental Design program produces graduates earning $37,952/yr — within striking distance of the $40,700 national average for this field.

With a 14.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Environmental Design career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,500 in median debt clears quickly against $37,952 in annual earnings.

Environmental Design is offered at just 6 schools in our analysis. University at Buffalo's #4 ranking should be read in that context.

The $37,952-to-$62,289 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University at Buffalo

University at Buffalo's 69% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 20,284 students in Buffalo, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Buffalo →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Architecture teachers, postsecondary $101,480/yr
Architects, except landscape and naval $96,690/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Design at Other Schools

Other Majors at University at Buffalo

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Environmental Design at University at Buffalo?
At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Environmental Design programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Environmental Design at University at Buffalo?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →