### SUMMARY

 Going to school for Environmental Engineering is not only a valuable choice, but typically a required first step for students intending to enter a career as a senior environmental engineer, an environmental remediation engineer, or an environmental protection specialist. Interestingly, environmental engineering is a ​unique major coming in at the 160th most popular major. Last academic year alone, there were 1,712 environmental engineering diplomas received. In-state tuition for environmental engineering at private institutions is, on average, 4.4 times more costly than their public fellows.

 With just 106 colleges having programs for environmental engineering there might be a smaller selection of institutions which will have a degree program for you. If you're hoping to surround yourself with other environmental engineering undergrads, consider looking at universities in California which have more undergraduates admitted to environmental engineering than any other state. Zooming out, the top region to study environmental engineering is in the Mid East region with [University of Delaware](/colleges/university-of-delaware), [SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry](/colleges/suny-college-of-environmental-science-and-forestry), and [Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus](/colleges/pennsylvania-state-university-main-campus) best representing the region. Interestingly, our pick for the top conference to study environmental engineering is the Big Ten Conference with [Ohio State University-Main Campus](/colleges/ohio-state-university-main-campus), [Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus](/colleges/pennsylvania-state-university-main-campus), and [Purdue University-Main Campus](/colleges/purdue-university-main-campus) representing the conference. Based on our list on the [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges), our choice for the best college for environmental engineering is [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology).

 The objectively 'best' school does not mean it is the best school for every student. There can be lots of angels to weigh when selecting institution. Things such as campus amenities, transportation services, and food might definitely impact your choice on which university to attend. Here at Authority, we weighed the pros and cons for you. If, as an example, you are intrigued by which environmental engineering college boasts the top campus, the answer is [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university). If you are very interested in which university boasts the top campus, we have an entire list [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through professor reviews, student reviews, government databases, and more so we can evaluate every major in an unbiased and informative way. Here you can explore our comprehensive list for the colleges with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbspand, from that list, our pick for the college with the best student life for environmental engineering is [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university). Are you curious why? Keep scrolling to learn more about Authority's top selections. Many of our decisions will probably shock you.

 If expense is a major factor in your decision on where to go to college, you might be cautious about [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york). [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york)&nbspis the most expensive university for environmental engineering, at least regarding out of state students. That being said, we have an entire page for the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspuniversities that might put the price tag of [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york)&nbspinto perspective. Additionally, you may care to know that environmental engineering is the 76th most expensive major in the US, with an average expense of $41,200. To zoom out a little, the most expensive state for environmental engineering nationally is Maryland demonstrated by a tuition of $55,350 at the main university in the state Johns Hopkins University. Even more broadly, the most costly region for environmental engineering is the New England region which is best demonstrated with [Yale University](/colleges/yale-university) with a cost of $55,500, [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology) with a cost of $53,450, and [Tufts University](/colleges/tufts-university) with a cost of $57,324.

 Our cheapest region for environmental engineering is the Southeast region which is represented by [Florida Atlantic University](/colleges/florida-atlantic-university) with a cost of $14,374, [Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College](/colleges/louisiana-state-university-and-agricultural-mechanical-college) with a cost of $8,038, and [Kennesaw State University](/colleges/kennesaw-state-university) with a cost of $15,704. In better news, the most affordable college for environmental engineering is [SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry](/colleges/suny-college-of-environmental-science-and-forestry). Our entire list of the most affordable colleges can be found [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state attendees can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $11,600 for a degree in environmental engineering. That cost increases dramatically to a median of $30,600 for the out-of-state public-school student. On that note, our selection for the university constituting the best value for environmental engineering: [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology). Through this link you can find our comprehensive list about the schools we see as being the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspin general. With that said, this list is predicated on the assumption that you are an out-of-state student. A discussion of value changes when it comes to in-state tuition, as such, we are using out-of-state tuition as the baseline.

 Earnings for environmental engineering students can differ, but within two-years of graduation students will regularly make in the neighborhood of $63,800. While there can be much variation in earnings potential; top earners can bring in up to $98,600. Even straight out of university, the lowest earning positions within the environmental engineering space earn $40,900, which isn't that bad. The top earning graduates from environmental engineering have come from [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology)&nbspand if you are looking for universities with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), we have that too.

 The prevailing diversity of environmental engineering sits on the higher end, falling in the 64th percentile of all majors. The school with the highest composite diversity for environmental engineering is [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology)&nbspand here you can find our comprehensive list for the universities which have the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The financial diversity of Environmental Engineering only is within the 68th percentile of all majors. Racial diversity is even less in the 55th percentile. White students make up the largest share at 60% of students majoring in environmental engineering. Additionally, 51% of students seeking an environmental engineering major are men.

 The median ranking for environmental engineering professors is 4.5 stars, a rating which is 13% higher than the average score across every major; which is a fairly good score. If you are looking for the most popular environmental engineering instructor in the nation, consider looking up Lynda Wilson at [Valencia College](/colleges/valencia-college). It might surprise you, but the best rated instructors of environmental engineering by student are found at [Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus](/colleges/pennsylvania-state-university-main-campus). If we including data beyond basic rankings it becomes clear that the university with comprehensively the best professors for environmental engineering is [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology). You can find more detail on our evolving ranking methodology for the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), along with some of the top instructors nationwide.

 Finally, the hardest college to get into for environmental engineering is [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university). While we think of this list more as a novelty, we do have a detailed list for the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). Although, here at Authority we hope you understand that considering higher education with context mainly informed by superlatives could be said to be the root of many of higher education's fundamental issues. We hope you explore our other pages on individual colleges and explore a few of our background articles on useful details to consider as you continue your college search.



 ### POPULARITY

 Environmental engineering is the 160th most popular degree in America, with 1,712 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #161 [Petroleum Engineering](/rankings/best-colleges-for-petroleum-engineering), and narrowly lost to #159 [Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management](/rankings/best-colleges-for-wildlife-fish-and-wildlands-science-and-management).

 The degree is offered at a total of 106 colleges across the nation, and is the 153rd most widely offered degree. Given that environmental engineering is offered at 27% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America, you can be sure this is a critical degree and the skillsets acquired are likely to last for a long time.

 It is also worth noting that narrowly over two out of every three colleges offering environmental engineering are public making it a quite accessible field.

 The mid east produces the most environmental engineering graduates, largely led by [University of Delaware](/colleges/university-of-delaware), while it’s the Big Ten Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, California ranks highest, with particular help from [University of California-San Diego](/colleges/university-of-california-san-diego) and [Humboldt State University](/colleges/humboldt-state-university).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more environmental engineering graduates than [University of Arkansas](/colleges/university-of-arkansas), which graduated 52 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study environmental engineering). More students studied environmental engineering as a percentage of total students at [SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry](/colleges/suny-college-of-environmental-science-and-forestry) than any other college.



 ### COST

 Environmental engineering is the 76th most expensive degree in the United States, with a median cost of $41,196 for the top 50 programs.

 New England has the most expensive colleges with top 50 environmental engineering programs led by [Yale University](/colleges/yale-university) with an annual cost of $55,500. The most expensive state for environmental engineering is Maryland led by [Johns Hopkins University](/colleges/johns-hopkins-university).

 Public schools with good programs typically charge 77.05% less than private schools for in-state students. However, when looking at out-of-state tuition, the median top 50 Public school charges 39.47% less than the median private school. So, if you're looking into studying at a state school, make sure you're eligible for in-state tuition sooner rather than later.

 The most pricey option in the top 25 is [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york), which is the 3rd most expensive college in America. The most affordable option in the top 100 is [Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico](/colleges/universidad-politecnica-de-puerto-rico). It costs just $7,740 per year, but it is its environmental engineering program is ranked #75. If you’re looking for a higher ranked, but still affordable option, [SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry](/colleges/suny-college-of-environmental-science-and-forestry)  is probably a good fit for you, ranked #1 with an in-state cost of just $7,070. Another more affordable option would be #16, [San Diego State University](/colleges/san-diego-state-university) in San Diego County, CA with a cost of $5,742 for in-state students and $17,622 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Going to college is an important investment for most. It is important to be confident you get a solid return on your investment. We wish for the following job placement and income information to guide you in deciding your focus at college.

 Right out of college, Environmental Engineering majors take in $56,946 a year on average (top 14%). Later on in their occupations, they can bring home as high as $98,599 per year to as little as $40,936, but average close to $63,832. Just so you know, that's 65% above the nation wide average.

 The most common work title for an Environmental Engineering graduate is Engineer, which for the most part earn approximately $59,000; next are Systems Engineer and Project Engineer, which typically earn more or less $56,000 and $56,000 respectively.

 The highest earning region for Environmental Engineering graduates is The Mid East. The most well paid state for Environmental Engineering graduates is WI. The most well paid conference for Environmental Engineering graduates is Big Ten Conference.



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for Environmental Engineering: Median Professor Rating: 4.5 / 5, which is Top 50.

 Professors always have a heavy impact your college experience, no matter what you major in. A thoughtful teacher could help a student find their passion and set one up for future success. Alternatively, a bad professor can disenchant you from an entire field or even worse... fail you!

 Environmental Engineering professors boast a median student rating of 4.5 / 5, putting these professors in 21st place in the US grounded in student approval. For context a 4.5 rating is 12.5% north of the national median professor rating for all subjects. Environmental Engineering professors barely surpassed those from ["Computer Software and Media Applications"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-computer-software-and-media-applications), whereas ["Fire Protection"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-fire-protection)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above Environmental Engineering.

 Now for some statistics about Environmental Engineering professors. Colleges located in small suburbs tend to have the best Environmental Engineering professors. The Southern Conference has the highest rated Environmental Engineering professors. The Southwest region has the highest rated Environmental Engineering professors. Public colleges tend to have higher rated Environmental Engineering professors than private universities. Finally, North Carolina has the highest rated Environmental Engineering professors in the nation.

 Lynda Wilson, instructor at [Valencia College](/colleges/valencia-college)&nbspin Orlando, FL is the most popular Environmental Engineering professor in America. Rod Hackwith, professor at [Idaho State University](/colleges/idaho-state-university)&nbspin Pocatello, ID is the highest rated Environmental Engineering professor in America, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 Want to know which colleges have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College can be an especially poignant time in one's life; it is a chance for individual progress and expansion. Students try to ascertain who they are as people and forge many of the rudimentary skills to be a flourishing member of society. But growth isn't entirely confined to a classroom environment - the late nights discussing the Second Intifada with a classmate, the wild anecdote received from an eccentric instructor, the exposure to a different take on things. Therefore, a diverse student body greatly enriches what you gain from your time spent in college.

 Environmental Engineering is a slightly more ethnically diverse subject than average\*. 60% of the United States' Environmental Engineering majors are white students, followed by students of other races\*\*(19%), latino students (11%), and asian students (8%). The most ethnically diverse college\* in the top 100 is [University of California-Irvine](/colleges/university-of-california-irvine) located in Irvine, CA.

 Moreover, Environmental Engineering is diverse with respect to sex, with practically 1/2 of students majoring in Environmental Engineering identifying as women. The most gender balanced school in the top 100 is [Kennesaw State University](/colleges/kennesaw-state-university) in Kennesaw, GA.

 Another substantial type of diversity is wealth diversity. Environmental Engineering ranks in the top 32% of programs for economic diversity. 29% of its students come from families bringing in over $110,000 per year, 16% are from families who take home between $48,000 and $75,000 a year, and 24% grew up in low income households. [Montana Technological University](/colleges/montana-technological-university) has the most economically diverse student body in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall CA is the most diverse state for Environmental Engineering. The Far West is the most diverse region, and the California Collegiate Athletic Association is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 8%
* Black: 2%
* Latino: 11%
* White: 60%
* Other: 19%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 51%
* Female: 49%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 24%
* 30k - 48k: 15%
* 48k - 75k: 16%
* 75k - 110k: 15%
* Over 110k: 29%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 67%
* Out of State: 27%
* International: 6%


California Institute of Technology

Yale University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Stanford University

Duke University

Northwestern University

Cornell University

University of Southern California

Columbia University in the City of New York

Johns Hopkins University

University of Notre Dame

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

United States Military Academy

Tufts University

University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

The University of Texas at Austin

University of California-Berkeley

Lehigh University

University of Miami

University of California-Irvine

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Search for the best Environmental Engineering colleges according to your filter parameters.

Top 25 Best Colleges for Environmental Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Best Colleges for Environmental Engineering

There are about 5,381 students enrolled in Environmental Engineering in the USA.

2024 Best Colleges for Environmental Engineering

2023 Environmental Engineering Salary

There are about 5,381 students enrolled in Environmental Engineering in the USA.

SALARY