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Sustainability Studies at Chatham University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
16
Optimistic
15
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,954/yr (-49% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,900 openings/yr)
ROI 2.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #22 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 $357K $371K $369K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.1x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 15 14

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$175,240
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$102,868
41% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Chatham University's Sustainability Studies graduates start at $18,954/yr, trailing the $37,053 national average by 49%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

An earnings multiple of 2.1x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the -3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

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

About Chatham University

A 70% acceptance rate means Chatham University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 1,252 students in Pittsburgh, PA. The average net cost of $102,868 over four years represents a 41% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Chatham University →

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

Compare this program → View all 22 schools offering Sustainability Studies →

Sustainability Studies at Other Schools

University of Wisconsin-Platteville ($59,089) Columbia University in the City of New York ($53,957) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($50,678) University of New Hampshire-Main Campus ($43,090) University of Northern Colorado ($42,076) Western Washington University ($41,600) Montclair State University ($41,445) Utah State University ($39,679)

Other Majors at Chatham University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($70,404) Interior Architecture ($45,785) Psychology, General ($37,601)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Sustainability Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Chatham University's Sustainability Studies program score?
This program scores 15/100 — 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 Chatham University?
Lower starting pay at Chatham University 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 →