Environmental Technology at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
55
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $63,707/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market Large (68,200 openings/yr)
ROI 14.7x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 6 Environmental Control Technologies programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

This specialized program at Iowa State leverages the university's strong engineering and technical heritage, positioning you for a vital role in critical infrastructure. The demand for skilled technicians in environmental control, particularly within utility operations, large-scale agriculture, and manufacturing across Iowa and the Midwest, creates a robust regional job market. Your training here equips you with hands-on expertise in areas like water quality management, HVAC systems, and regulatory compliance, skills that are deeply embedded in physical systems and less susceptible to full automation. Graduates often find roles with municipal water departments, industrial facilities, or specialized environmental consulting and contracting firms. To maximize your prospects, actively pursue internships with local utilities or engineering firms; practical experience is invaluable for securing your first post-graduation role.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $625K $618K $579K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.9x 14.7x 13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.6x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 56% 52% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 55 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income

About Iowa State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Iowa State University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 25,033 students in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State University →

Top Career Paths

Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other $77,390/yr
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers $59,810/yr
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians $58,890/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Iowa State University

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

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Environmental Technology at Iowa State University?
At 55/100, Iowa State University's Environmental Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →