Do you want to solve environmental problems, enhance sustainability, and conserve resources for future generations? If so, one of these cheapest online environmental science degree programs may be perfect for your future.
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that studies physics, chemistry, geography, and many other scientific disciplines. Depending on the program, it may also include government policy, leadership, and administrative issues. All of these subjects come together in order to foster well-rounded experts in environmental topics.
These programs can result in bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degrees. They can focus on data, sustainability, natural resources, geoscience, and more in detail. Not only are online environmental science degrees broad in scope, but they can lead to some of the most rewarding, high-paying careers in science. As a bonus, they often come with an affordable price.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$58,500
Least Expensive In-State: Florida Gateway College ~$13,531
Least Expensive Nationwide: Fort Hays State University ~$29,131
Does a career in forestry, sustainability, or environmental science sound exciting? If so, then keep reading in order to learn more about the top programs and to find the cheapest online environmental science degree for your needs.
12 Cheapest Online Environmental Science Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Florida Gateway College | (FL) | $13,531.00 $29,946.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | University of Florida | (FL) | $15,502.00 $66,314.00 $15,502.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
3 | Florida International University | (FL) | $28,268.00 $77,864.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $29,131.00 | All Students |
5 | Rogers State University | (OK) | $30,400.00 $65,040.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $39,600.00 $27,720.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
7 |  University of West Alabama | (AL) | $40,530.00 | All Students |
8 | Lynn University | (FL) | $45,800.00 | All Students |
9 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $49,420.00 $30,340.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
10 | Virginia Wesleyan University | (VA) | $51,072.00 | All Students |
11 | Unity Environmental University | (ME) | $56,500.00 $50,860.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
12 | Colorado State University | (CO) | $57,376.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bellevue University | (NE) | $59,123.00 $33,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Prescott College | (AZ) | $62,880.00 | All Students | |
Oregon State University | (OR) | $63,000.00 | All Students | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $63,000.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $63,232.00 | All Students | |
Maryville University | (MO) | $70,480.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $80,267.00 | All Students | |
Everglades University | (FL) | $108,881.00 | All Students |
Methodology for Rankings
These rankings of online environmental science bachelor’s programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an environmental studies online degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online bachelors in sustainability. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the environmental science bachelor’s online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Enroll in One of the Cheapest Online Environmental Science Degree Programs?
There are many reasons to enroll in an online environmental degree. Here are the top advantages of these important programs:
- Protect the environment: Although the careers can be lucrative, few enter these degrees for the salary. More important is the chance to protect the environment and make a positive difference in the world.
- Salary: It never hurts to earn a strong income while also helping the environment. Environmental scientists have a median salary of $76,480 a year, which is roughly $30,000 more than the median for all careers.
- Positive outlook: The need for environmental scientists and conservationists is expected to grow in the next ten years. The BLS predicts job openings for environmental scientists will expand by 6%, while the entire job market will grow by 3%.
Environmental Science: The Program Cost
With 35 programs from 20 schools, these degrees come with a wide range of costs. The average price is $58,500. This is a large total, but remember that these degrees require four years of full-time study. In addition, the cost can be reduced if you have previous college experience or an associate’s degree. Assuming a four-year plan, the average student will pay roughly $14,625 per year for their degree.
There are several degrees below this average cost in our databate, with programs as low as $13,531. This estimated price is for in-state students attending the Bachelor of Applied Science in Water Resources Management from Florida Gateway College. However, if you are not in the state of Florida, there are other options. The lowest-cost degree for all students, regardless of location, is the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies / Environmental Management in Agriculture & Natural Resources from the University of Florida. (The Sunshine State holds the top three most affordable degrees in this database.)
Overall, you’ll find 19 programs with a price below the average cost. This includes nine programs under $40,000 and four programs under $30,000.
Of course, there are high-cost programs as well. The most expensive school in this database is Everglades University. This school offers four programs, all with an estimated cost of $108,881. This is by far the most expensive; the second most expensive is the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geoscience from the University of North Dakota. This program costs $80,267, a drop of over $28,000.
Even if you have a large budget, be sure to research costs and find a degree that works well for your needs. While private and out-of-state schools can offer affordable prices, the cheapest online environmental science degree will likely come from a public school in your state.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Environmental Science Degrees?
19 programs cost below the average of $58,500. However, there are three schools in particular that offer the lowest cost to students, especially students living in the state of Florida.
#1. Florida Gateway College
Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Water Resources Management
Cost: $13,531 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Of all the online environmental science degrees in our database, this bachelor of applied science is the most affordable option. Florida residents who enroll in this program have an estimated cost of only $13,531. Assuming a four-year plan, this means the annual cost is about $3,383.
This degree helps students interested in the management and distribution of water resources. Combining aspects of public administration and water management, this degree gives students the chance to work in an important aspect of conservation. Graduates can find roles in water conservation, natural resources, public policy, and agriculture.
Florida Gateway College offers a variety of 100% remote degrees, all with the flexibility and convenience you expect from a world-class online institution. From start to finish, this program offers extensive support and guidance. For example, the school provides personalized assistance for enrollment and has advising services to keep you on pace throughout the academic timeline. There is a career center and access to an online learning platform, creating a well-rounded learning experience.
#2. University of Florida
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies / Environmental Management in Agriculture & Natural Resources
Cost: $15,502 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
With the University of Florida online, you will go through the same courses and requirements as on-campus students. The university offers 25 majors across numerous subjects, making the school a leader in modern online education. The school offers this degree with a low price of only $15,502 for Florida residents, although out-of-state students have an estimated cost of $66,314.
Students interested in hydrology, soil science, pest management, water resources, and agriculture can gain the skills they need with this bachelor of science degree. The program helps you make a positive impact on the planet and its people by giving you an understanding of air pollution, water contamination, and other important issues.
After graduation, students can take on various positions in environmental science. They can work as conservation scientists, hydrologists, conservation managers, sustainability consultants, and more.
#3. Florida International University
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability & the Environment
Cost: $28,268 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you want to become a sustainability consultant, environmental scientist, sustainability director, or water scientist, this is a great option for your education. The degree has a low price of $28,268, allowing you to complete the degree with just over $7,000 in annual costs. (Again, this is assuming a four-year full-time schedule.)
The school also offers a pathway to a master’s of science degree. The pathway allows students to complete a bachelor of arts degree and a non-thesis master’s degree at an advanced pace, reducing the time it takes to become an expert in sustainability and environmental studies.
Throughout their coursework, students in this program study a wide variety of issues, including sustainability related to human factors, culture, and more. The school provides a flexible, convenient program that is available 100% online. Students can watch lectures, get real-time feedback from instructors, and collaborate with classmates on projects, all from the comfort of their own homes.
Environmental Science: Online Degree Program Types
This database includes a variety of programs that come with various specializations. While they all focus on the environment, they take different paths and have various concentrations. From water resources to environmental policy, you can find a degree that suits your unique interests and skills.
It’s also important that you select the right degree type. In this database, you’ll find bachelor of arts degrees, as well as bachelor of science. There is also a handful of bachelor of applied science degrees. Knowing the differences is important.
A bachelor of arts degree is the broadest and most theoretical. It will take into account a variety of issues that impact the environment, not just hard science. For example, in a bachelor of arts degree you may not just study the hard science, but also learn how cultures, history, and political systems impact the environment.
A bachelor of science is more focused on direct scientific knowledge. Most of your studies will be in topics such as chemistry, biology, and physics and how they relate to the environment.
A bachelor of applied science is the most specific and career-focused. These degrees include direct skills that can be applied to an exact career. While a bachelor of arts can lead to a wide range of career options, a bachelor of applied science generally applies to one or two specific careers.
Regardless of the type, you’ll need to select a concentration. Options for environmental degrees online include:
- Water resources management
- Sustainability
- Geosciences
- Environmental policy
- Environmental studies
- Sustainability management
- Wildlife conservation
- Fisheries
- Environmental economics
Accreditation for Environmental Science Programs Online
Accreditation is an important part of the academic process. It acts essentially like a quality control and review system for colleges and universities.
Independent bodies approved by the U.S. Department of Education grant approval to post-secondary institutions. This is known as institutional accreditation. It’s also called regional accreditation because it’s granted by regional organizations like the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Degrees can also have what’s known as programmatic accreditation. This type only covers degrees in that specific area. For example, the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation only accredits sports management and related degrees.
The American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists, associated with ABET, provides some assistance and participates in the accreditation of schools and universities. However, it has a relatively small footprint on the overall academic area of environmental science. None of the programs in this database have accreditation from this group, but all have institutional accreditation from a regional body.
Typical Bachelor’s Admission Requirements
Enrollment in one of these programs requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. This is a universal requirement for all bachelor degrees, although some programs have additional requirements, such as a GPA or previous class experience in a certain subject, such as chemistry or biology.
Some degree programs will require a minimum GPA from incoming students. Usually this requirement is fairly light; a 2.5 is common, although some programs require a 3.0 or higher.
To enroll, you will need to submit a complete application and transcripts. Depending on the program, you may also need letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
Most aspiring environmental experts can find a program that accepts their application. With a decent academic background and all the required documents, you’ll likely find acceptance in a top environmental science degree online from an accredited institution.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements in Environmental Science
If you complete an environmental science degree online, you may need licensing. While this is not a universal requirement, a handful of careers in this sector have licensing requirements.
Environmental scientists typically do not need a license. However, they may complete optional training and pass tests to become a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, a credential offered by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management. This is a five-year certification recognized by businesses and organizations all across the country.
The only required licensing for graduates of these programs is for conservation scientists and foresters. Numerous states have licensing or certification requirements for these experts to conduct their work.
Environmental Science Salary and Career Information
People who enroll in an environmental studies online degree deeply care about the planet and the animals (including humans) who occupy it. Their motivation comes from wanting to make a real difference for a better environment. They are rarely motivated by money alone. That said, environmental scientists, conservationists, foresters, wildlife biologists, and other professionals in this field can also expect decent earnings.
With experience and skill, these earnings can be significant. The median salary for an environmental scientist is $76,480 per year. For perspective, the median for all occupations across the US is $46,310. The top 10% of all environmental scientists is about $130,770, so you can expect a high income if you reach one of these top positions. The best-paid environmental scientists work for the federal government; the median annual for these professionals is $104,640.
Foresters and conservation scientists have strong earnings as well, although it’s not quite as high as environmental scientists. The median salary for conservation scientists is $64,460, while the median is $64,220 for foresters. Again, the best-paid typically work for the federal government, and the top 10% of all conservation scientists and foresters earn over $102,670 per year.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Environmental Science Degree Program?
Are you ready to launch your future in environmental science? Are you ready to do your part for the planet while establishing a stable, lucrative career? Then use this database to find the cheapest online environmental science degree for your needs.
Whether you need the lowest-cost bachelor’s degree or simply want a program that meets your specific career goals, you’ll find all the information and resources you need with GetEducated!