Environmental Engineering at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
60
Pessimistic
Earnings $57,824/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Medium (23,100 openings/yr)
ROI 11.9x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #18 of 47 Environmental Health Engineering programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

This University of Michigan program provides an exceptional engineering foundation, yet its early career earnings often reflect the broad spectrum of roles environmental engineers embrace. Many graduates gravitate towards public sector agencies, sustainability consulting, or non-profits focused on remediation and policy, which may offer different salary trajectories than purely industrial roles. Ann Arbor's strong academic environment also means a notable percentage of graduates pursue advanced degrees or research, delaying their entry into the full-time workforce and influencing initial average earnings. You'll find strong recruiting pipelines into Michigan-based firms, but also national opportunities in areas like water resource management, air quality, and hazardous waste. The high AI risk points to the evolving nature of the field; therefore, actively seek internships that emphasize complex problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and project management to future-proof your career.

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 $853K $819K $704K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.4x 11.9x 10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.5x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 60

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$68,912
Out-of-state: $232,288 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,328
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,587
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$88,990
54% growth from Year 1

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Admission to University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is competitive, with 18% of applicants accepted, serving a student body of 33,488 in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
At 62/100, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor'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 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
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 →