Key Takeaways:
- The #1 most affordable sustainability degree on our ranking is offered by St. Petersburg College, followed by Florida International University.
- As global awareness of environmental issues increases, there is a growing demand for professionals who can help organizations operate sustainably.
- Common job titles for sustainability graduates include sustainability coordinator, environmental consultant, energy analyst, and sustainability manager.
Welcome to our ranking of sustainability degree online programs at the bachelor’s level, ranked by affordability.
While there are many online graduate degrees and certificates in sustainability out there, there are comparatively few such online sustainability degrees at the bachelor’s level. In fact, presently there are only 11 undergraduate degrees available online that are specific enough to have the name sustainability in the program title. The 11 sustainability programs ranked here include emphases in many different sustainability areas, including energy, agriculture, earth sciences, business administration, and management. Getting a degree in sustainability is now easier than ever thanks to the online access, and the affordability of many of these programs make undertaking studies all the more enticing.
Featured Programs
We ranked all 11 of these 100% online sustainability degrees according to institution-wide tuition figures on College Navigator (with in-state tuition being reported where applicable). Always be sure to check particular program websites for exact tuition and to know whether your state qualifies for the online program. Programs are listed by tuition from highest to lowest.
Reviewing the Top Online Sustainability Degrees by Price
1. St. Petersburg College
Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainability Management
St. Petersburg College’s offers the least expensive sustainability degree online available today. It targets the broad concepts of sustainable business practices in industries like manufacturing, construction, government, and global business. Program features include coursework in green building and urban planning, as well as the legal aspects of sustainability. Eight-week courses use innovative online technologies to help students finish their sustainability degree conveniently. In order to be considered for the program, students must have completed 60 credits at a regionally accredited institution.
Net Price: $3,352
2. Florida International University
Online BA in Sustainability and the Environment
FIU’s convenient and affordable sustainability degree online features a multidisciplinary approach. Graduates of the program will be well initiated in the effects of human institutions, organizations, cultures, and technologies on our environmental resources. Students are then encouraged to think creatively and holistically to offer realistic solutions for the responsible interaction of people with the environment. Get paired with an online success coach and start in fall, spring, or summer.
Tuition: $6,556
3. Bellevue University
Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Management
Bellevue grads will be uniquely prepared to innovatively manage sustainability projects for businesses. If you have a particular interest in strategic stewardship of water, energy, land, and urban areas, Bellevue’s program offers an attractive online option. Additionally, sustainability management students will be prepared to ace the LEED Green Associate exam in order to make a mark on the building industry.
Tuition: $7,050
4. Oregon State University Ecampus
Bachelor of Science in Sustainability
Considering Oregon State’s global positioning as a leader among universities in sustainable issues, it is no surprise to see this online offering at the undergraduate level. Sustainability questions addressed in the program are not limited to business, but will also include economics, politics, and society. Note that this fully online degree is only available as a second degree in addition to a primary one. For example, a business student at Oregon State can add this second undergraduate degree to boost career focus and prospects.
Tuition: $10,107
5. Arizona State University
Bachelors of Arts in Business – Sustainability
The W. P. Carey School of Business trains future business leaders to position themselves in the growing area of sustainability leadership, particularly in global business. Interesting courses will includes Economics of Sustainability, Global Supply Operations, and Business and Sustainability. For sustainability students looking for a business slant, this is a must-consider program. See website for next start date.
Tuition: $10,158
6. University of Wisconsin
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management
University of Wisconsin knows that an increasing number of companies are looking for professionals trained in sustainability. The online sustainability degree at U of W will teach students how to deliver the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. Designed for adult learners with family and work obligations, no fixed meetings or class times mean even greater scheduling flexibility. Students with an associate degree or 60 credits of general education courses are eligible to apply in order to complete their degree.
Tuition: 10,415
7. University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Bachelors of Arts in Sustainability Studies
University of Massachusetts-Amherst’s University Without Walls has over 40 years of experience in distance education. And sustainability students will have access to a fascinating diversity of courses from the UMass schools of agriculture, management, health, political science, economics, and more. UMass will allow a high degree of customization and generously accepts previous credits.
Tuition: $14,171
8. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Science in Earth, Society and Environmental Sustainability
Two concentrations are available for this online sustainability degree: Society and Environment or Society in the Earth System. Further specializations then include Sustainable Business, Environmental Informatics, and Sustainable Societies. Prospective students will note the reasonable net price and very high overall graduation rate (84%).
Tuition: $15,054
9. Penn State University World Campus
Bachelor of Arts in Energy and Sustainability Policy
Penn State has been doing distance education for over 100 years, so they had a jump on the online degree option. This particular online sustainability degree is geared toward the energy industry, having been designed by energy industry experts and Penn State faculty. In 2012, the program was awarded the Outstanding Online Program award by the Sloan Consortium, so prospective students can have confidence about its high quality.
Tuition: $17,514
10. Liberty University
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Green and Sustainable Management
Liberty Online students will master management principles in relation to environmental resources within a faith-driven worldview. Business frameworks include both small enterprises and global markets. This could be a good step toward Liberty’s MBA online for those students who want to follow a sustainability career path once their training is completed. Liberty continues to be a frontrunner in online education, boasting nearly 100,000 students online.
Tuition: $20,109
11. Roosevelt University
Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies
Boasting the first such online sustainability studies program coming out of the Chicago area, Roosevelt offers a curriculum combining scientific examination of ecosystems with customizable focus depending on a student’s interest. Take advantage of online classes available 24/7 in eight-week modules with five start dates throughout the year. Potential careers include environmental justice, urban development, and public policy.
Tuition: $27,300
This concludes our affordability ranking of online sustainability degrees.
Further Reading:
- Top 20 Small Sustainable Colleges Ranked by Affordability
- Sustainable Agriculture Degrees by Net Price
- Online Agriculture Degrees
- Cheapest Online Colleges
- Free Online Colleges
- Best Accredited Online Colleges
By CVO Staff