2026 Best Value Sustainability Science Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Chandler Gilbert Community College
Chandler, AZ

For return on investment in sustainability science, no school beat Chandler Gilbert Community College this year. Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public school located in the city of Chandler. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Sustainability Science graduates carry a median of $10,447 in student loans. Soon after graduation, sustainability science degree recipients from Chandler Gilbert Community College generally make around $46,943. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ

Students looking for strong value in sustainability science will find it at Mesa Community College, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete the sustainability science program here. Sustainability Science graduates of Mesa Community College earn a median of $54,730 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Paradise Valley Community College
Phoenix, AZ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Paradise Valley Community College earned it the #3 place for sustainability science. Located in the city of Phoenix, Paradise Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Sustainability Science graduates carry a median of $14,204 in student loans. Sustainability Science graduates of Paradise Valley Community College earn a median of $71,136 early in their careers. Set against $14,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value sustainability science schools. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Sustainability Science graduates carry a median of $21,645 in student loans. Sustainability Science graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $47,056 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.

5

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Arizona earned it the #5 place for sustainability science. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete the sustainability science program here. Soon after graduation, sustainability science degree recipients from University Of Arizona generally make around $50,834. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

6

Texas State University San Marcos
San Marcos, TX

Texas State University San Marcos came in at #6 for value in sustainability science this year. Set in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Sustainability Science graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. Sustainability Science graduates of Texas State University San Marcos earn a median of $47,456 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants.

7

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #7 for value in sustainability science this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norman. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Students borrow a median of $23,138 to complete the sustainability science program here. Sustainability Science graduates of University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn a median of $58,084 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,138 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

8

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin earned the #8 position for value in sustainability science this year. Set in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,636 to complete the sustainability science program here. Early-career sustainability science graduates make about $35,255. That is a strong return on a $18,636 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants.