2026 Best Value Sustainability Studies Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Chandler Gilbert Community College
Chandler, AZ

Chandler Gilbert Community College earned the #1 spot for value among sustainability studies schools in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,447 to complete the sustainability studies program here. Soon after graduation, sustainability studies degree recipients from Chandler Gilbert Community College generally make around $46,943. That is a strong return on a $10,447 median debt.

2

Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ

Mesa Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value sustainability studies schools. Set in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Typical student debt for sustainability studies graduates is $13,750. Sustainability Studies graduates of Mesa Community College earn a median of $54,730 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt.

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 studies. Located in the city of Phoenix, Paradise Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,204 to complete the sustainability studies program here. Early-career sustainability studies graduates make about $71,136. Set against $14,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Arizona University earned it the #4 place for sustainability studies. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Students borrow a median of $21,645 to complete the sustainability studies program here. Sustainability Studies graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $47,056 early in their careers. Set against $21,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.

5

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

A rank of #5 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for sustainability studies. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete the sustainability studies program here. Early-career sustainability studies graduates make about $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 studies this year. Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public school located in the city of San Marcos. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Typical student debt for sustainability studies graduates is $23,659. Early-career sustainability studies graduates make about $47,456. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #7 among the best values for sustainability studies. Located in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical student debt for sustainability studies graduates is $23,138. Soon after graduation, sustainability studies degree recipients from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus generally make around $58,084. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.

8

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin earned the #8 position for value in sustainability studies this year. Set in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Sustainability Studies graduates carry a median of $18,636 in student loans. Early-career sustainability studies graduates make about $35,255. Set against $18,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted.