Housing and Human Environments, 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
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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 Housing and Human Environments, Other.: The DTI for this program is 52.9%, 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 Housing and Human Environments, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $45368) to the average debt ($23980) 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 Housing and Human Environments, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 52.9%, 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 Housing and Human Environments, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($45368) against the typical student debt ($23980), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Wondering if Housing and Human Environments, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $45368, and the average student debt is $23980, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.53—which is typical for many fields.
With an annual graduating class of 314 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Many students go on to become Interior Designers, a role with a projected 3.0% growth rate. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Housing and Human Environments, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Housing and Human Environments, Other (CIP 19.0499) is a specialized category for environmental strategists and spatial analysts who focus on how physical surroundings impact human behavior, health, and social equity. While a standard architecture or interior design degree focuses on aesthetics and structural integrity, professionals in this "Other" category are "Human-Environment Interaction Experts." They study universal design, sustainable low-income housing, the psychology of space, and the impact of "Smart City" technology on family life. It is a path for "socially conscious planners" who believe that the way we build our homes and neighborhoods is the primary driver of public health.
This field is ideal for "spatial problem-solvers"—individuals who are fascinated by how the "built environment" can either isolate people or foster a sense of community and well-being.
What Is an "Other" Housing and Human Environments Degree?
A degree in this category is a multidisciplinary path that emphasizes sociology, environmental psychology, and public policy. You will study the "Habitation Core"—learning about housing markets, construction materials, and zoning laws—but your focus will be on the human experience within those structures. Because this code houses niche programs, your studies might focus on Aging-in-Place Technology, Cognitive Ergonomics in the Workplace, or the socio-economic impact of Gentrification and Displacement. It prepares you to be a "Human-Centered Housing Strategist" who can bridge the gap between urban planning and individual family needs.
Schools offer this degree to:
- Train "Universal Design Consultants" who ensure environments are accessible to all people, regardless of age or physical ability
- Develop experts in Sustainable Habitats, focusing on how housing design can reduce energy poverty and improve indoor air quality
- Prepare professionals for Housing Advocacy and Law, working to ensure fair housing practices and affordable options for vulnerable populations
- Study Behavioral Interior Design, exploring how lighting, acoustics, and layout can reduce stress and improve productivity in human spaces
What Will You Learn?
Students learn that "a house is more than a shelter; it is a system of health and economy." You focus on the "Psychology of the Built Environment" and the data behind housing stability.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most students learn to:
- Master Environmental Auditing—assessing a space for its psychological, physical, and ecological health impacts
- Use "Geographic Information Systems (GIS)" to map housing trends, resource access, and environmental risks in a community
- Design Inclusive Spatial Frameworks—creating environments that support neurodivergent individuals or the elderly
- Perform Housing Market Analysis—understanding the economic forces that make housing affordable or inaccessible
- Utilize Ergonomic Assessment Tools to optimize the relationship between human bodies and the objects they use daily
- Understand Public Policy and Zoning—learning how to navigate the legal rules that determine what gets built and where
Topics You May Explore
Coursework is a blend of social science, engineering, and design theory:
- Social Psychology of Space: How crowdedness, privacy, and territoriality affect human interaction.
- Universal and Assistive Design: Creating homes that "age with the user" through tech and physical layout.
- Housing Finance and Policy: The study of mortgages, subsidies, and the legislative history of the "Right to Housing."
- Sustainable Materials and Wellness: Exploring how non-toxic, eco-friendly building materials improve long-term health.
- Urban Sociology: Analyzing how neighborhood design affects crime rates, education, and social mobility.
- Smart Home Systems: Integrating IoT (Internet of Things) devices to improve household management and security.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
Graduates find roles as consultants, policy analysts, and managers in the real estate, government, and non-profit sectors.
Common job roles include:
- Housing Policy Analyst: Working for government agencies or think tanks to develop solutions for homelessness and affordability.
- Accessibility Consultant: Advising developers and corporations on how to exceed ADA requirements for inclusive spaces.
- Corporate Facility Manager: Overseeing the "Human Environment" of large offices to maximize employee health and morale.
- Sustainable Housing Developer: Managing projects that prioritize energy efficiency and community health over pure profit.
- Community Development Officer: Working for non-profits to revitalize neighborhoods and improve local infrastructure.
- Residential Energy Auditor: Helping homeowners and landlords reduce their environmental footprint and utility costs.
Where Can You Work?
These specialists are the "architects of social well-being" in several domains:
- Government Agencies: Working for HUD (Housing and Urban Development) or local planning departments.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Leading groups like Habitat for Humanity or local housing land trusts.
- Architecture and Design Firms: Acting as a "Human Factors" expert on large-scale residential projects.
- Senior Living and Healthcare Developers: Designing the specialized environments required for memory care and assisted living.
- Tech Companies: Working on "Smart City" initiatives or home automation products.
How Much Can You Earn?
Because of the move toward "Healthy Buildings" and the urgent need for housing reform, specialists in this niche are increasingly well-compensated.
- Housing/Urban Policy Analysts: Median annual salary of approximately $75,000–$110,000.
- Facilities/Environmental Managers: Salaries typically range from $80,000 to $120,000+.
- Community Development Directors: Median annual salary of around $70,000–$95,000.
- Entry-Level Housing Specialists: Often start between $50,000 and $65,000.
Is This Degree Hard?
The difficulty is in the interdisciplinary synthesis. You must be able to speak the language of an architect, an economist, and a psychologist simultaneously. It requires a highly analytical and visionary mindset—you must be able to look at a blueprint and "see" how a person's life will play out within those walls. It is a major that rewards those who are "Empathetic Systems Thinkers" and who enjoy the challenge of solving large-scale social puzzles.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a good fit if you:
- Are constantly noticing how the design of a room or building makes you feel
- Care deeply about social justice and the "right to a healthy home"
- Want a career that bridges the gap between creative design and data-driven policy
- Are interested in the "Future of Living"—from tiny houses to sustainable urban hubs
- Enjoy working with people and communities to solve physical problems
How to Prepare in High School
- Take AP Human Geography and AP Psychology; they are the two most relevant social sciences
- Take a course in CAD or Architectural Drafting to learn how to visualize space
- Volunteer for organizations like Habitat for Humanity to see the reality of housing construction
- Join a Model UN or Civics club to practice debating public policy and urban planning
- Read about The "Green Building" Movement and universal design principles
The ability to apply environmental logic and human-centered mastery to the complexities of housing and habitation is the hallmark of a successful professional in this field.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor