College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2027 Best Value Sustainability Studies Schools in Illinois

5 Colleges in the United States
$21,669 Avg Student Debt
$78,100 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Sustainability Studies Badge [Sustainability Studies](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/sustainability-science/sustainability-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong sustainability studies education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for sustainability studies students.

What’s on this page:

2027 Best Value Sustainability Studies Schools in Illinois

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in sustainability studies, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Sustainability Studies Schools

1

University Of Illinois At Chicago tops our 2027 list of the best value sustainability studies schools in Illinois. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sustainability studies graduates is $20,115. Sustainability Studies graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $42,677 early in their careers. Set against $20,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign one of the best values for sustainability studies. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Sustainability Studies graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Early-career sustainability studies graduates make about $52,963. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

3

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois Institute Of Technology earned it the #3 place for sustainability studies. Located in the city of Chicago, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. Typical student debt for sustainability studies graduates is $26,774. Soon after graduation, sustainability studies degree recipients from Illinois Institute Of Technology generally make around $71,315. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants.

4

A rank of #4 makes Northwestern University one of the best values for sustainability studies. Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Evanston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Typical student debt for sustainability studies graduates is $16,616. Sustainability Studies graduates of Northwestern University earn a median of $78,551 early in their careers. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 8%.

5
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Depaul University earned it the #5 place for sustainability studies. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Sustainability Studies graduates carry a median of $25,340 in student loans. Sustainability Studies graduates of Depaul University earn a median of $57,588 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

View All Sustainability Studies Rankings >

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options