Environmental Design, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Environmental Design, Other.: The DTI for this program is 57.4%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Environmental Design, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $36901) to the average debt ($21174) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Environmental Design, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 57.4%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Environmental Design, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($36901) against the typical student debt ($21174), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Considering Environmental Design, Other.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $36901, and with an average student debt of $21174, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.57—pretty reasonable for most students.
With more than 719 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Environmental Design, Other. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Environmental Design, Other (CIP 04.0499) is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the design of the built and natural environment with a specific emphasis on sustainability, human health, and social equity. While a traditional architect might focus on a single building, an environmental designer looks at the "system"—the way buildings, parks, transportation, and ecosystems interact to create a livable community.
This field is ideal for "systems thinkers" who are passionate about the environment and want to solve 21st-century problems like urban heat islands, food deserts, and climate resilience. It is a path for individuals who want to use design as a tool for positive social and ecological change.
What Is an Environmental Design (Other) Degree?
An Environmental Design (Other) degree is a flexible, "holistic" program that bridges the gap between architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning. Because it is categorized as "Other," these programs often allow for specialized research into niches like regenerative design (creating systems that give back more than they take), biophilic design (integrating nature into indoor spaces), or public health design (creating cities that encourage physical activity).
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train designers to use "nature-based solutions" to manage floods and pollution
- Prepare professionals to revitalize abandoned industrial sites (Brownfields)
- Develop specialists who can assess how a neighborhood’s design affects the mental well-being of its residents
- Address the technical and social aspects of designing for "Smart Cities" and renewable energy grids
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that every design choice has a ripple effect on the surrounding ecosystem and the people who live within it.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Analyze large-scale environmental data using GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
- Master digital modeling tools like SketchUp, Rhino, and the Adobe Suite
- Conduct "Post-Occupancy Evaluations" to see if a design actually works for the community
- Design for "Circular Economy" principles, prioritizing recycled and low-impact materials
- Understand the physics of light, wind, and water to optimize outdoor comfort
- Facilitate "Community Charettes" (public workshops) to gather input from residents
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is highly diverse, combining science, social studies, and studio art:
- Urban Ecology: How plants, animals, and humans coexist in city environments.
- Sustainable Materiality: The study of "green" building products and their life cycles.
- Environmental Psychology: How the physical environment influences human thoughts and actions.
- Water Sensitive Urban Design: Creating "Sponge Cities" that naturally manage rain.
- Site Planning: Organizing buildings and landscapes on a specific piece of land.
- Climate Adaptation Strategy: Designing to protect against fires, floods, and heatwaves.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates work in roles that require a broad understanding of both design and environmental science.
Common job roles include:
- Environmental Designer: Working on teams that plan new sustainable neighborhoods or parks.
- Sustainability Coordinator: Helping cities or companies reach their "Net Zero" goals.
- Urban Designer: Shaping the physical form of streets, plazas, and public transit.
- Community Developer: Ensuring that new projects meet the social needs of a neighborhood.
- Environmental Consultant: Advising architecture firms on how to reduce their projects' carbon footprint.
- Resilience Planner: Designing infrastructure to withstand natural disasters.
Where Can You Work?
Environmental designers are found in sectors focused on the future of the planet:
- Design and Engineering Firms: In departments focused on planning and landscape.
- Municipal Government: Working in planning, parks and recreation, or sustainability offices.
- Environmental Non-Profits: Organizations dedicated to conservation and urban greening.
- Real Estate Development: Helping developers create "eco-friendly" communities.
- Corporate Sustainability Offices: Designing green campuses for large companies.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary based on whether you lean more toward technical consulting or urban planning.
- Environmental Designers: Median annual salary of approximately $65,000–$80,000.
- Sustainability Managers: Salaries typically range from $80,000 to $115,000.
- Urban Planners: Median annual salary of around $78,000.
- Resilience Consultants: In private firms, salaries can exceed $100,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the breadth of knowledge required. You must understand the "soft" science of human behavior and the "hard" science of ecology and engineering simultaneously. You will spend long hours in the design studio, but you must also be comfortable analyzing data and writing technical reports. It requires a high level of empathy and a "thick skin" for navigating the politics of public projects.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Care deeply about the climate crisis and want a career that addresses it
- Enjoy drawing and making models but also love science and nature
- Are interested in "how things connect" rather than just a single building
- Want to work on projects that improve the lives of regular people in their daily environments
- Like a mix of creative brainstorming and data-driven research
How to Prepare in High School
- Take classes in Biology, Environmental Science, Art, and Sociology
- Join an environmental club or a local community garden
- Practice your sketching and 3D modeling (using free tools like Tinkercad or SketchUp)
- Volunteer for a local park project or participate in a city council meeting
- Read about "Green Design" trends and how cities like Amsterdam or Singapore are innovating
The ability to harmonize human structures with the natural world is the hallmark of a successful environmental designer.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor