2026 Best Value Sustainability Studies Schools in New York

1

Cuny City College
New York, NY

For return on investment in sustainability studies, no school beat Cuny City College this year. Cuny City College is a large public school located in the city of New York. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,340, compared with $15,290 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for sustainability studies graduates is $13,389. Sustainability Studies graduates of Cuny City College earn a median of $70,051 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants.

2

Suny At Geneseo
Geneseo, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suny At Geneseo earned it the #2 place for sustainability studies. Located in the town of Geneseo, Suny At Geneseo is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,999, compared with $19,569 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,976 to complete the sustainability studies program here. Sustainability Studies graduates of Suny At Geneseo earn a median of $37,022 early in their careers. Set against $20,976 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%.

3

Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sustainability studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Stony Brook, Stony Brook University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,931, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. Students borrow a median of $20,537 to complete the sustainability studies program here. Early-career sustainability studies graduates make about $60,047. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 49%.

4

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value sustainability studies schools. Located in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,517. Typical student debt for sustainability studies graduates is $18,070. Soon after graduation, sustainability studies degree recipients from Columbia University In The City Of New York generally make around $70,213. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

5

Rochester Institute Of Technology
Rochester, NY

Rochester Institute Of Technology is a great value for students pursuing a degree in sustainability studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Rochester, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,210. Students borrow a median of $27,491 to complete the sustainability studies program here. Sustainability Studies graduates of Rochester Institute Of Technology earn a median of $63,515 early in their careers. Set against $27,491 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%.

6

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Cornell University earned the #6 position for value in sustainability studies this year. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete the sustainability studies program here. Soon after graduation, sustainability studies degree recipients from Cornell University generally make around $75,976. Set against $15,005 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

7

New York University
New York, NY

New York University earned the #7 position for value in sustainability studies this year. Located in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Sustainability Studies graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. Sustainability Studies graduates of New York University earn a median of $64,516 early in their careers. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

8

Barnard College
New York, NY

Barnard College came in at #8 for value in sustainability studies this year. Barnard College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Students from in state pay about $69,888 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for sustainability studies graduates is $17,609. Early-career sustainability studies graduates make about $50,790. That is a strong return on a $17,609 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

9

Pratt Institute Main
Brooklyn, NY

Pratt Institute Main landed the #9 spot for sustainability studies value this year. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Pratt Institute Main is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,845. Students borrow a median of $25,103 to complete the sustainability studies program here. Early-career sustainability studies graduates make about $38,569. That is a strong return on a $25,103 median debt. Pratt Institute Main admits about 73% of applicants.

10

The New School
New York, NY

The New School earned the #10 position for value in sustainability studies this year. The New School is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $58,730. Typical student debt for sustainability studies graduates is $24,460. Early-career sustainability studies graduates make about $38,468. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%.