Environmental Engineering at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,482/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (23,100 openings/yr)
ROI 20.2x earnings multiple (8.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #27 of 47 Environmental Health Engineering programs

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 $690K $671K $598K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.8x 20.2x 18.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.6x 8.3x 7.4x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (8.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,696
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,997
3.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $66,482/yr, Environmental Engineering graduates from San Diego State University land near the $63,650 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 20.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Environmental Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $16,997 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #27 ranking among 47 Environmental Engineering programs places San Diego State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About San Diego State University

A 34% acceptance rate puts San Diego State University in competitive admissions territory, serving a student body of 33,654 in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego State 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

Other Majors at San Diego State University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Environmental Engineering at San Diego State University?
At 58/100, the score looks reasonable — but Environmental Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Environmental Engineering at San Diego State 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 →