Best Environmental Design institutions in the US, ranked by earnings
Compare 42 U.S. colleges offering Environmental Design by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 26 states.
About Environmental Design programs
The Environmental Design program focuses on creating spaces that enhance the natural, social, cultural, and physical environments. This field of study is essential for students interested in architecture and related services, emphasizing the importance of environmental considerations in design. Students will learn to address various environmental parameters while devising plans, policies, and products.
In this program, students develop critical skills in design, customer service, and building construction. Coursework includes the use of computer-aided drafting (CAD) software, research on health and safety codes, and practical applications of space planning and interior design principles.
Top 6 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auburn University Auburn, AL Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,929 | 38 | 82% | — | $25,375 |
| 2 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,843 | 36 | 64% | — | $27,000 |
| 3 | University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,401 | 137 | 74% | — | $23,641 |
| 4 | University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,952 | 49 | 75% | — | $19,669 |
| 5 | University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,849 | 39 | 64% | — | $22,047 |
| 6 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,226 | 22 | 68% | — | $20,500 |
Offered across 26 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabamalimited | 1 | $44,929 | Auburn University |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | $43,843 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus |
| Coloradolimited | 2 | $42,401 | University of Colorado Boulder |
| New Yorklimited | 2 | $37,952 | University at Buffalo |
| Hawaiilimited | 1 | $37,849 | University of Hawaii at Manoa |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | $37,226 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion |
| California | 3 | — | — |
| Florida | 3 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Idaholimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusetts | 3 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Hampshirelimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Mexicolimited | 2 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 2 | — | — |
| South Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texas | 4 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 2 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-1025, Interior Designers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Environmental Design program can expect a career outlook that is about as fast as average, with an estimated growth rate of 3.2% and approximately 7,800 annual job openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $63,490, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Environmental Design programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Design plans to be safe and to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Use computer-aided drafting (CAD) and related software to produce construction documents.
- Research health and safety code requirements to inform design.
- Confer with client to determine factors affecting planning of interior environments, such as budget, architectural preferences, purpose, and function.
- Advise client on interior design factors, such as space planning, layout and use of furnishings or equipment, and color coordination.
- Coordinate with other professionals, such as contractors, architects, engineers, and plumbers, to ensure job success.
Tools & technology
Concentrations within Environmental Design
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Environmental Design/ArchitectureCIP 04.0401
A program that prepares individuals to design public and private spaces, indoor and outdoor, for leisure, recreational, commercial, and living purposes, and for professional practice as environmental
- Healthcare Environment Design/ArchitectureCIP 04.0402
A program that focuses on the design and performance of healthcare environments to optimize healing
- Sustainable Design/ArchitectureCIP 04.0403
A program that focuses on the application of biological, physical, and social science in the design of sustainable cities and metropolitan regions
- Environmental Design, OtherCIP 04.0499
Any instructional program in environmental design not listed above.
Common questions
What is Environmental Design?+
Environmental Design is the process of creating spaces that enhance the surrounding environment, considering factors like safety, aesthetics, and functionality.
What skills will I learn?+
Students will gain skills in critical thinking, design, active listening, and the use of CAD software.
What are the career prospects?+
The field is expected to grow by 3.2%, with around 7,800 job openings annually.
What education is required?+
A Bachelor's degree is typically required for careers in Environmental Design.
Related programs
Other programs in the same field of study.
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