What is the starting salary for Environmental Engineering graduates in Vancouver?

The estimated starting salary for Environmental Engineering graduates in Vancouver, WA is $70,525 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108.5. The national average starting salary for this major is $65,000. Salaries in Vancouver are 8% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Environmental Engineering degree worth it in Vancouver?

A Environmental Engineering degree in Vancouver has an estimated ROI payback period of 3.3 years, with a projected lifetime return of $706,334 after subtracting education costs. With 7 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,800/year, Vancouver offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4% and the major's national unemployment rate of 3.2% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Environmental Engineering in Vancouver?

The average annual public university tuition in Vancouver is $11,800, while private universities average $40,000/year. Including room and board ($15,054/year), total 4-year costs range from $107,416 at a public school to $220,216 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Vancouver is $15,206/year.

What jobs can Environmental Engineering graduates get in Vancouver?

Environmental Engineering graduates in Vancouver can pursue careers as Environmental Engineer, Sustainability Engineer, Water Resources Engineer. Key skills valued by local employers include Water Treatment, Air Quality, Waste Management, Environmental Impact Assessment. The Vancouver job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include AECOM, EPA, Jacobs.

How long to pay off student loans for Environmental Engineering in Vancouver?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Environmental Engineering graduates in Vancouver would pay $1,220/month on an estimated $107,416 in loans, with $38,946 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,102/month but save $20,259 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $70,525, monthly payments would represent 21% of gross monthly income.

Environmental Engineering Degree in Vancouver, WA — Salary & ROI 2026

Environmental Engineering degree analysis for Vancouver, WA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$71K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$103K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

3.3 yrs

in Vancouver

Cost of Living

108.5

index (100 = avg)

Environmental Engineering in Vancouver, WA Overview

Vancouver, Washington (pop. 190,915) has 7 colleges offering Environmental Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 108.5 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,260/month. Environmental Engineering has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Water Treatment and Air Quality skills. The adjusted starting salary in Vancouver is approximately $70,525.

Environmental Engineering Salary in Vancouver (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Vancouver's cost of living index of 108.5 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$70,525(+$5,525 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$103,075(+$8,075 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$130,200(+$10,200 vs national)

Note: National average Environmental Engineering salary: $65,000 starting, $95,000 mid-career, $120,000 senior level.Vancouver adjustment factor: 1.08x based on the local cost of living index.

Environmental Engineering ROI Calculator for Vancouver

Estimate your return on investment for a Environmental Engineering degree using local Vancouver tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,800 | Private avg: $40,000

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Vancouver avg aid: $15,206/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$107,416

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$32,550

vs HS diploma in Vancouver

ROI Payback Period

3.3 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Vancouver

$706,334

Lifetime earnings premium ($813,750) minus total education cost ($107,416)

Student Loan Payoff for Environmental Engineering in Vancouver

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$107,416

Monthly Payment$1,220

Total Interest$38,946

% of Monthly Income21%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$107,416

Monthly Payment$2,102

Total Interest$18,687

Interest Savings$20,259

Colleges in Vancouver for Environmental Engineering

Vancouver State University

public

$12,455/yr

$49,820 total

University of Vancouver

public

$11,321/yr

$45,284 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Vancouver Community College

$6,084/yr

Top Employers for Environmental Engineering in Vancouver

Vancouver offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Environmental Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

AECOMEPAJacobsHDRArcadis

Key Vancouver Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Environmental Engineering Job Titles

Environmental EngineerSustainability EngineerWater Resources Engineer

Environmental Engineering in Nearby Washington Cities

Seattle, WA

$78K starting · COL 120

16 colleges

Spokane, WA

$79K starting · COL 121

20 colleges

Tacoma, WA

$73K starting · COL 113

25 colleges

Bellevue, WA

$116K starting · COL 178.5

6 colleges

Kent, WA

$75K starting · COL 115.8

6 colleges

Everett, WA

$77K starting · COL 118.2

5 colleges

Renton, WA

$80K starting · COL 122.5

5 colleges

Spokane Valley, WA

$80K starting · COL 123.1

4 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Vancouver

Petroleum Engineering

$54K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$54K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$89K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$54K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$87K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$87K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$85K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$54K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Environmental Engineering degree outcomes in Vancouver, WA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Environmental Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Washington.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Vancouver using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Environmental Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Environmental Engineering career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Environmental Engineering grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Vancouver Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Washington students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Washington)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Washington programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "washington higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Environmental Engineering Degree in Vancouver — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Environmental Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Vancouver.

Environmental Engineering Overview Colleges in Vancouver All Majors