Environmental Design at University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,952/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (36,100 openings/yr)
ROI 14.7x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 6 Environmental Design programs

Program Analysis

While the initial earnings figures might seem modest, they reflect the regional realities of Western New York's design and planning industries. Buffalo is a city in transition, offering a unique living laboratory for your studies—from waterfront revitalization to adaptive reuse of historic industrial buildings. You'll find that UB's School of Architecture and Planning is deeply connected to these local efforts, creating internship pipelines with regional firms and municipal planning departments. Your career path isn't just about drafting; it's about navigating community development, policy, and sustainability. To maximize your long-term value, focus on building a strong professional network within the robust Buffalo and Toronto-area design communities before you graduate. That local connection is your most valuable asset, turning your degree into direct, hands-on opportunities right in your backyard.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $650K $634K $577K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.1x 14.7x 13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.2x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 66% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,128
Out-of-state: $122,288 (5.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,880
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,289
64% growth from Year 1

About University at Buffalo

University at Buffalo's 69% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 20,284 students in Buffalo, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Buffalo →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Architecture teachers, postsecondary $101,480/yr
Architects, except landscape and naval $96,690/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Environmental Design at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Environmental Design at University at Buffalo?
At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Environmental Design programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Environmental Design at University at Buffalo?
The 46% 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 →