Sustainability Studies at University of Florida

Gainesville, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
53
Optimistic
52
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,261/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (45,900 openings/yr)
ROI 22.9x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 22 Sustainability Studies programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

Your strong showing in Sustainability Studies at UF isn't merely about the robust curriculum; it reflects the program's strategic positioning within Florida's dynamic environmental and economic landscape. The state's rapid development, unique ecosystems, and climate challenges create a constant, localized demand for graduates who can navigate complex issues in conservation, urban planning, and resource management. UF's interdisciplinary approach, leveraging expertise across various colleges, equips you for roles beyond basic environmental analysis, pushing you towards leadership in fields like policy development and project management, particularly with state agencies, consulting firms, and non-profits across the Southeast. While some analytical tasks in this field face automation, focusing on advanced data interpretation, strategic problem-solving, and cultivating strong communication skills will make you indispensable. Seek out internships that offer hands-on project leadership and stakeholder engagement.

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 $595K $585K $534K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.3x 22.9x 20.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.2x 5.1x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 53 52 49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$25,524
Out-of-state: $114,636 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$25,404
0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,552
59% growth from Year 1

About University of Florida

Admission to University of Florida is competitive, with 24% of applicants accepted, one of the larger campuses at 34,102 students in Gainesville, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Florida →

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

Sustainability Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Florida

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Sustainability Studies at University of Florida?
A score of 52/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Sustainability Studies field.
Will AI replace Sustainability Studies careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $534,368 in decade earnings vs $595,235 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Florida's Sustainability Studies program stand out?
Ranked #1 of 22 programs nationally, University of Florida lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →