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Sustainability Studies at University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,229/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Large (45,900 openings/yr)

ROI 11.5x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #18 of 22 Sustainability Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Sustainability Studies graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$421K	$428K	$413K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.3x	11.5x	11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.5x	3.6x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	28	28	27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,260

Out-of-state: $119,348 (3.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$52,688

-41% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,810

7.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

University of Utah's Sustainability Studies graduates start at $30,229/yr, trailing the $37,053 national average by 18%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 11.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $17,810 debt-to-$30,229 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #18 out of 22 programs, University of Utah's financial outcomes for Sustainability Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Utah

A 87% acceptance rate means University of Utah is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 26,041 in Salt Lake City, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Utah →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr

Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340/yr

Environmental science teachers, postsecondary $87,710/yr

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Sustainability Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Utah

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Utah's Sustainability Studies program score?

This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Sustainability Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Sustainability Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Sustainability Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Sustainability Studies earnings lower at University of Utah?

Lower starting pay at University of Utah may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →