Environmental engineers deal with some of the most complex and important issues facing our society. Among many duties, these specialists find ways to reduce and overcome the impacts of natural disasters, stop harmful soil erosion, and develop innovative ways to reduce, reuse, or recycle waste. If you have a background in environmental science or engineering, an affordable online master’s environmental engineering degree could be the perfect option for your future.
You’ll join a growing field while working for a private business, nonprofit, or government organization. No matter who you work for, you’ll be striving to create a stronger, healthier, more sustainable environment.
This database includes 25 online master environmental engineering degrees from 20 accredited institutions. You’ll find a variety of specializations and concentrations, including water resources, sustainability, smart-city engineering, and environmental planning. The degrees also come with a range of prices to meet your specific budget.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$34,900
Least Expensive In-state: University of Central Florida ~$9,820
Least Expensive Out-of-state: University of Alabama at Birmingham ~$17,130
You deserve a respected education from an accredited college or university. Use this ranking database in order to find the perfect program for your needs.
11 Most Affordable Online Master’s Environmental Engineering Degrees
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $9,820.00 $34,552.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | California State University-Fullerton | (CA) | $14,129.00 $26,009.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | University of Florida | (FL) | $15,921.00 $37,662.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | (AL) | $17,130.00 | All Students |
5 | Old Dominion University | (VA) | $18,922.00 $19,642.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | (NC) | $19,099.00 $52,389.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | University of Kansas | (KS) | $19,800.00 | All Students |
8 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | (TN) | $24,450.00 $26,700.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | University of North Dakota | (ND) | $26,085.00 | All Students |
10 | University of Arizona | (AZ) | $27,750.00 | All Students |
11 | University of New Haven | (CT) | $31,650.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Missouri University of Science and Technology | (MO) | $36,000.00 $23,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of California-Los Angeles | (CA) | $37,800.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-Madison | (WI) | $39,000.00 | All Students | |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | (IL) | $40,932.00 | All Students | |
Southern Methodist University | (TX) | $43,500.00 $23,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Villanova University | (PA) | $48,050.00 | All Students | |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute | (MA) | $53,130.00 | All Students | |
Johns Hopkins University | (MD) | $55,800.00 | All Students | |
Columbia University in the City of New York | (NY) | $77,915.00 | All Students |
Methodology for These Rankings
These rankings of master’s in environmental engineering online programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an online master environmental engineering degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers a master’s in environmental engineering online. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the master’s in humanities online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Choose an Affordable Online Master’s Environmental Engineering Program?
Here are some of the top reasons people pursue a master’s degree in environmental engineering:
- Use your skills for a greater good: With an online master’s in environmental engineering, you can use your talent for engineering for a higher purpose — protecting the earth and helping sustain healthy ecosystems.
- Excellent salaries: Environmental engineers have a median annual salary of $96,520, while the top 10% earn over $150,000 a year. For perspective, the median for all occupations is around $46,000.
- Strong career field: Environmental engineers should enjoy a stable job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the career field will grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032.
- Numerous career options: With an online environmental engineering master’s degree, you can work in a range of sectors and industries, including government, education, water treatment, construction, industry, civil engineering, transportation, and energy.
Environmental Master’s Degree: Program Cost
This database has 25 degrees from 20 universities across the country. While it’s far from the largest database on our site, there is still a wide range of prices. Students, depending on where they live, can pay less than $10,000 to nearly $80,000. With such a wide range, you need to research tuition, fees, and other expenses before enrolling. This database provides a reliable starting point.
The most affordable online master’s environmental engineering degree comes from the University of Central Florida, which allows Florida residents to pay $9,820 for the online Master of Science in Environmental Engineering. This is the only program with an estimated cost below $10,000, although out-of-state students pay over $34,000 for the degree.
The average price in this database is $34,900. If we look only at in-state tuition, 12 programs out of 20 are below this average, including eight priced below $20,000. For students from all locations, three affordable schools are the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Old Dominion University, and the University of Kansas. All of these schools offer out-of-state tuition below $20,000.
The least affordable online master’s environmental engineering comes from Columbia University. The Master of Science in Earth & Environmental Engineering from this New York-based Ivy League school is an estimated $77,915. It costs roughly $22,000 more than the second-most expensive online master environmental engineering degree in the database.
This database provides reliable information on school costs, but you can reduce your total out-of-pocket price with scholarships, grants, and credit transfers.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Environmental Master’s Degrees?
You can find affordable degrees from several colleges. Here, however, are the cheapest options, with a special shoutout to a program that has an estimated cost below $20,000 for all students from any corner of the country:
#1. University of Central Florida
Degree: Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
Cost: $9,820 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of Central Florida operates one of the most well-regarded online engineering schools. Engineers in the state of Florida can enroll in this program and enjoy an estimated cost of $9,820, making this the most affordable online master’s environmental engineering program in our database.
This program gives engineers a wide range of knowledge that helps them create a more environmentally-friendly world. Students address issues like recycling, water disposal, public health, and air pollution, which can all be improved through intelligent engineering.
#2. California State University-Fullerton
Degree: Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
Cost: $14,129 (In-state, California)
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Students in California can enroll in this program to enjoy a low price on their master’s degree in environmental engineering. The program is available for an estimated cost below $15,000, and students can take advantage of CSUF’s flexible, supportive online platform.
The degree includes both the practical information and technical skills that make a capable engineer. Students can use the degree to build careers with consulting companies, industrial businesses, and local or national governments. Once complete, graduates are prepared to sit for the Professional Engineering (PE) exam, a common, though not mandatory, certification test.
#3. University of Florida
Degrees: Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering Sciences, Master of Science in Environmental Engineering Sciences
Cost: $15,921 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of Florida offers two online environmental engineering degrees: a master of science and a master of engineering. Both of these degrees are offered through the school’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.
These degrees are available with concentrations in geographic information systems, hydrologic systems, and wetland sciences. Completion of a concentration is not required.
Most Affordable Out-of-State: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Degree: Master of Engineering in Sustainable Smart Cities
Cost: $17,130 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The three previous schools offer low prices to in-state students. However, budget-minded students living outside of California or Florida should consider the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which has a Master of Engineering in Sustainable Smart Cities. No matter where you live, this online program has an estimated cost of $17,130.
The program builds a student’s knowledge in sustainable practices, city design, and creating a more sustainable growth model. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to design and assess smart cities across the globe.
Environmental Engineering: Degree Program Types
This database is loaded with high-quality degrees that build your expertise in environmental engineering. All focus on the intersection of engineering and the environment, but there are different degree types, as well as concentrations, that impact what you learn and what careers are available after graduation.
Most of the programs in this database are master of science (MS) programs. These degrees are broad in scope, with coursework in the science and research methods of environmental engineering. They can further develop private-sector careers, but can also boost academic and research careers. Engineers with a doctorate typically hold a master’s of science degree first.
The other type found in this database is a master of engineering. These degrees are similar to MS programs and cover many of the same issues, but a master of engineering typically develops direct professional skills.
In addition to degree type, you need to consider the specializations, which have a strong impact on your coursework, learning, and career outcomes. Possible concentrations include:
- Engineering Sciences
- Innovation
- Sustainability
- Entrepreneurship
- Water Engineering
- Environmental Planning
- Environmental Science
All of these focus areas connect back to environmental engineering. By researching and choosing an appropriate concentration, you can pursue an education that aligns with your career goals.
Accreditation for these Programs
If a school is regionally accredited, it has been reviewed and approved by a regional body that assesses colleges and universities for a variety of factors. These independent groups look at coursework, faculty, graduate success, and other factors and, assuming the college meets specific standards, grant accreditation.
Accreditation is important for a variety of reasons. For students, it ensures that they receive a high-quality education from a legitimate school. All the programs in our database come from accredited colleges and universities; it’s one of the basic requirements for inclusion in our system.
Some degrees also have programmatic accreditation, but this is less common for master’s of environmental engineering online programs. As long as the degree comes from a school with institutional accreditation, it will deliver a high-quality degree.
Typical Admission Requirements for Environmental Engineering
To enroll in these programs, you must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Many of these programs also have GPA requirements, such as 2.5, 3.0, or 3.25 minimum.
In addition to meeting requirements for previous education, you’ll need to submit a wide assortment of documents, including a statement of purpose and multiple letters of recommendation. A statement of purpose is simply a short essay that describes your motivation for completing a master’s of environmental engineering online.
Letters of recommendation written by former professors or professional supervisors should speak to your work ethic, problem-solving skills, and abilities as an engineer or environmental professional.
The enrollment process for a master’s degree is more rigorous and complex than that for an associate or bachelor’s degree, but with research and preparation, most applicants with a decent academic background will find an accepting program.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
While most environmental engineers will not need licensing, there are a handful of voluntary certifications that can boost your career. If you advance your career into management, you’ll likely need years of experience, even if you have an advanced degree.
Various groups provide certifications for environmental engineers. The American Academy of Environmental Engineering & Scientists, for one, offers the Board Certified Environmental Engineer credential, which is available to engineers who hold the Professional Engineering (PE) license. Non-licensed engineers can complete the Board Certified Environmental Engineering Member credential.
Environmental engineers who complete a master’s degree may move into management. Engineering managers, who earn a tremendous income (as shown below), need at least five years of experience.
Salary and Career Information for Environmental Engineers
A master’s degree in environmental engineering can lead to some of the top salaries in the entire job market. Here is the career and salary information for occupations connected to these degrees:
All Occupations | Environmental Engineers | Engineers (All) | Engineering Managers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Pay | $46,310 | $96,530 | $100,030 | $159,920 |
| Expected Growth | 3% | 6% | 7% | 4% |
| Minimum Education | N/A | Bachelor’s | Bachelor’s (most) | Bachelor’s |
| Experience Required | N/A | None | None | 5+ years |
With a median salary of $96,530, environmental engineering is a lucrative career. The top 10% in this occupation have annual earnings over $150,840. With a master’s degree and appropriate experience, there’s a strong chance you’ll be near these high earnings.
Environmental engineering, like engineering in general, appears to be a stable job market as well. The BLS predicts that the entire job market will grow by 3% between 2022 and 2032, while the environmental engineering profession will grow by 6%. Engineering managers will see a growth rate of 4%.
The state with the highest concentration of environmental engineers is West Virginia. In this state, there are 0.96 environmental engineers for every 1,000 jobs. Alaska is #2 on the list with 0.83 per 1,000 jobs. Nevada, however, offers the highest salaries. In this state, the median income for environmental engineers is $127,390.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Environmental Engineering Degree Program?
Using our resources, you can find the right degree for your future. All the programs come from accredited colleges and universities, so you won’t have to worry about the quality of your education or the legitimacy of your degree. You’ll also find reliable cost information, allowing you to make the best choice for your budget.
With resources and information from GetEducated.com, you can find the right online master environmental engineering degree for your needs.