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Environmental Engineering at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $62,936/yr (-1% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)

Job Market Medium (23,100 openings/yr)

ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #17 of 47 Environmental Health Engineering programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$657K	$641K	$576K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.0x	12.7x	11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.7x	5.5x	5.0x
Probability of Field Employment	73%	66%	48%
DegreeOutlook Score	63	62	59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,608

Out-of-state: $115,600 (5.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,688

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

5.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$70,453

12% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Northern Arizona University's Environmental Engineering program produces graduates earning $62,936/yr — within striking distance of the $63,650 national average for this field.

With a 12.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Environmental Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,000 in median debt clears quickly against $62,936 in annual earnings.

A #17 ranking among 47 Environmental Engineering programs places Northern Arizona University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $62,936 to $70,453 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Northern Arizona University

A 91% acceptance rate means Northern Arizona University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 23,041 students in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr

Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors $109,660/yr

Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr

View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Engineering at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Environmental Engineering at Northern Arizona University?

At 62/100, Northern Arizona University's Environmental Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Environmental Engineering at Northern Arizona University?

The 50% 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 →