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2023 Most Affordable Online Environmental Science Degrees

By the OnlineU team | Updated 9/7/2022
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Environmental sciences is a field of study that examines climate change, conservation, waste management, development, disaster reduction, and other global issues. An online bachelor’s in environmental science, or fire science as an alternative, may be an excellent fit for students interested in addressing global environmental problems in their careers. 

Most online bachelor’s in environmental science covers ethics, sustainability, and environmental law. Graduates may pursue further education with a master’s degree in environmental science or begin careers, like Natural Resource Manager, Environmental Engineer, and Air Pollution Analyst. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), environmental scientists and specialists earn a median annual salary of $76,530.

View our methodology for more details about rankings or learn more about us.

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All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Rank School Locations Annual Tuition
# 1 #1 Fort Hays State University Hays (KS) $6,806
# 2 #2 Columbia Southern University Orange Beach (AL) $7,050
# 3 #3 Delta State University Cleveland (MS) $8,360
# 4 #4 SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse (NY) $8,480
# 5 #5 Southern New Hampshire University Online Manchester (NH) $9,600
# 6 #6 Kean University Union (NJ) $10,445
# 7 #7 University of Wisconsin - Green Bay Green Bay (WI) $10,590
# 8 #8 American Public University System Charles Town (WV) $11,150
# 9 #9 Florida International University Miami (FL) $11,276
# 10 #10 Wilmington University New Castle (DE) $11,700
#1
#1
Annual Tuition: $6,806
Annual Tuition: $6,806
Annual Tuition: $6,806

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a medium-sized, public institution offering two online degrees relating to environmental science: a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Geosciences and a Bachelor of General Studies - Sustainability. Each requires 120 credit hours. The first program combines geology and geography, while the latter is a liberal arts approach to sustainability. Sample coursework includes Global Challenges, Cultural Geography, and Environmental Geology.

At FHSU, online students complete online coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard, a popular learning management system. Online student support includes academic advising, technical support, and a writing center. The program’s admission requirements are a minimum 2.25 GPA, an ACT score of 21 or higher, or a minimum SAT score of 1060.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 96%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 4,411
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 2,453
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#2
#2

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach (AL)
Annual Tuition: $7,050
Annual Tuition: $7,050
Annual Tuition: $7,050

At Columbia Southern University (CSU) — a medium-sized, private, for-profit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management, totaling 120 credit hours. The program’s curriculum covers environmental theory, mitigation, and remediation strategies for environmental hazards. In addition, students use team-based approaches to address environmental issues. Example courses include Environmental Law, Pollution Prevention, and Toxicology.

CSU facilitates online coursework and discussion forums on Blackboard. Online student support covers academic advising, math and writing centers, and an online library. Program admission requirements include an application and a high school diploma or GED.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 94%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 14,364
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 5,670
  • School Type: For-Profit
  • School Accreditation: DEAC
#3
#3

Delta State University

Cleveland (MS)
Annual Tuition: $8,360
Annual Tuition: $8,360
Annual Tuition: $8,360

Delta State University (DSU) is a small, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences- Geospatial Technologies. Totaling 124 credit hours, this program requires students to complete a GIS internship before graduation. Program coursework includes Foundations of Environmental Science, Spacial Solutions to Natural Resources Issues, and Basic Photography.

At DSU, online students complete work asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. In addition, online students can access an online library and support. Admission requirements include an application, unofficial transcripts, and ACT/SAT scores.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 94%
  • Average SATs: 980 -1250
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 163
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 483
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#4
#4
Annual Tuition: $8,480
Annual Tuition: $8,480
Annual Tuition: $8,480

Prospective students interested in studying environmental sciences can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Management at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) — a small, public institution. Totaling 60 credit hours, prospective students can expect to engage in a curriculum that ties real-world experiences to sustainability practices. Program coursework includes Sustainable Urbanism, Climate Change and Sustainability, and Ecology.

ESF facilitates online coursework, which is delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats through the platforms, Blackboard, and Brightspace. Online student support includes IT services and disability support. The program’s admission requirements are an application and official high school transcripts, while college entrance exam scores are optional.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 92%
  • Average SATs: 1120 -1300
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 8
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 5
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: MSCHE
#5
#5
Annual Tuition: $9,600
Annual Tuition: $9,600
Annual Tuition: $9,600

Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU) is a large, private nonprofit institution, which offers several online degrees in environmental science: (1) Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (121 credit hours), (2) Bachelor of Arts in General Studies - Environmental Studies Essentials (120 credit hours), (3) Bachelor of Science in Geoscience (120 credit hours), and (4) a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology - Environmental Sustainability (120 credit hours). All four programs cover the various aspects of environmental science, like sustainability, ethics, and geology.

At SNHU, online work is facilitated in an asynchronous format on Brightspace, meaning that students can study at their own pace. Online students can access academic advising, library services, and a learning center remotely. The program’s admission requirements are transcripts and an electronic attestation form showing proof of high school or GED completion.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 77%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 86,849
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 19,526
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: NECHE
#6
#6

Kean University

Union (NJ)
Annual Tuition: $10,445
Annual Tuition: $10,445
Annual Tuition: $10,445

Kean University (Kean) is a medium-sized, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Biology - Environmental Biology requiring 120 credit hours. This program allows students to address real-world environmental issues and engage in research-based projects. Example coursework includes Evolutionary Biology, Ecosystem Science, and Conservation Biology.

At Kean Online, students complete online coursework, which is delivered in an asynchronous format through Blackboard. In addition, online students can access academic advising, a writing center, tutoring, and career services. The program’s general admission requirements are an application, official high school transcripts, a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), and a FAFSA application.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 92%
  • Average SATs: 920 -1100
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 552
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 90
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: MSCHE
#7
#7
Annual Tuition: $10,590
Annual Tuition: $10,590
Annual Tuition: $10,590

The University of Wisconsin - Green Bay (UW - Green Bay), a medium, public institution, offers two online degrees in environmental sciences: a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Applied Studies in Organizational Leadership - Environmental Policy & Planning. Either option requires 42 emphasis area credits. Both programs are designed for students who are interested in saving the environment by creating efficient environmental policies. Sample coursework includes Environment and Society, Leadership in Organizations, and Fundamentals of Public Address.

UW - Green Bay's online students complete coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. Online student support includes tutoring, a writing center, and academic advising. Applicants must submit an application and official high school transcripts, while turning in ACT/SAT scores are optional.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 84%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,419
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 226
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#8
#8
Annual Tuition: $11,150
Annual Tuition: $11,150
Annual Tuition: $11,150

American Public University (APU) is a large, private, for-profit institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science that takes 120 credit hours to complete. Prospective students can choose from five concentrations: (1) Sustainability, (2) Environmental Technology and Management, (3) General, (4) Fish and Wildlife Management, (5) and Regional and Community Planning. In general, the program combines science, management, and policy coursework while covering the natural and social sciences.

APU facilitates online coursework, which is delivered in an asynchronous format, on the platform Brightspace. Online student support can include academic advising and disability services. The program’s admission requirements involve submitting proof of high school completion, an application, a government-issued ID, and an agreement to the university’s policies and procedures.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 37,335
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 7,914
  • School Type: For-Profit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#9
#9
Annual Tuition: $11,276
Annual Tuition: $11,276
Annual Tuition: $11,276

Florida International University (FIU) is a large, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and the Environment. This program, totaling 120 credit hours, is designed to help students learn how they can create solutions to global sustainability issues. The future job outlook for graduates of the program includes Sustainability Coordinator, Sustainability Analyst, and Operations Manager.

At FIU, online students complete coursework remotely on Canvas at their own pace. In addition, online students can access success coaching, tutoring, and IT support. The program’s admission requirements include an application, official high school transcripts, and ACT/SAT scores.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 90%
  • Average SATs: 1110 -1280
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 10,922
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 2,749
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#10
#10

Wilmington University

New Castle (DE)
Annual Tuition: $11,700
Annual Tuition: $11,700
Annual Tuition: $11,700

At Wilmington University (WilmU) — a private nonprofit institution with a medium-sized student population — prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy, which requires 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to develop their critical thinking, scholarly writing, and problem-solving skills. Some courses included in the curriculum are Ethics for Life, Writing for Public Policy, and Contemporary Global Issues.

WilmU’s online students use Canvas to complete coursework both asynchronously and synchronously. In addition, online students can access academic advising, tutoring, and career services. The program’s admission requirements include an application, official transcripts, and immunization records.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 63%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 5,064
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 3,291
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: MSCHE

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