What is the starting salary for Environmental Science graduates in Rockford?

The estimated starting salary for Environmental Science graduates in Rockford, IL is $45,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 90. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Rockford are 10% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Environmental Science degree worth it in Rockford?

A Environmental Science degree in Rockford has an estimated ROI payback period of 5.4 years, with a projected lifetime return of $241,696 after subtracting education costs. With 8 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,764/year, Rockford offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.9% and the major's national unemployment rate of 5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Environmental Science in Rockford?

The average annual public university tuition in Rockford is $9,764, while private universities average $34,200/year. Including room and board ($8,562/year), total 4-year costs range from $73,304 at a public school to $171,048 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Rockford is $14,234/year.

What jobs can Environmental Science graduates get in Rockford?

Environmental Science graduates in Rockford can pursue careers as Environmental Scientist, Conservation Specialist, Sustainability Analyst. Key skills valued by local employers include GIS, Environmental Monitoring, Data Analysis, Field Research. The Rockford job market features Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include EPA, NOAA, EDF.

How long to pay off student loans for Environmental Science in Rockford?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Environmental Science graduates in Rockford would pay $832/month on an estimated $73,304 in loans, with $26,578 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,434/month but save $13,826 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $45,000, monthly payments would represent 22% of gross monthly income.

Environmental Science Degree in Rockford, IL — Salary & ROI 2026

Environmental Science degree analysis for Rockford, IL. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$45K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$65K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

5.4 yrs

in Rockford

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Environmental Science in Rockford, IL Overview

Rockford, Illinois (pop. 148,655) has 8 colleges offering Environmental Science programs. The local cost of living index of 90 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,026/month. Environmental Science has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for GIS and Environmental Monitoring skills. The adjusted starting salary in Rockford is approximately $45,000.

Environmental Science Salary in Rockford (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Rockford's cost of living index of 90 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$45,000($-5,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$64,800($-7,200 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$81,000($-9,000 vs national)

Note: National average Environmental Science salary: $50,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $90,000 senior level.Rockford adjustment factor: 0.90x based on the local cost of living index.

Environmental Science ROI Calculator for Rockford

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

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,764 | Private avg: $34,200

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Rockford avg aid: $14,234/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

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

Total Education Cost

$73,304

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$13,500

vs HS diploma in Rockford

ROI Payback Period

5.4 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Rockford

$241,696

Lifetime earnings premium ($315,000) minus total education cost ($73,304)

Student Loan Payoff for Environmental Science in Rockford

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$73,304

Monthly Payment$832

Total Interest$26,578

% of Monthly Income22%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$73,304

Monthly Payment$1,434

Total Interest$12,753

Interest Savings$13,826

Colleges in Rockford for Environmental Science

Rockford University

private

$34,200/yr

$136,800 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Rock Valley College

$4,980/yr

Top Employers for Environmental Science in Rockford

Rockford offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Environmental Science graduates. National top employers in this field include:

EPANOAAEDFNature ConservancyAECOM

Key Rockford Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Environmental Science Job Titles

Environmental ScientistConservation SpecialistSustainability Analyst

Environmental Science in Nearby Illinois Cities

Chicago, IL

$55K starting · COL 109

98 colleges

Aurora, IL

$46K starting · COL 92.8

7 colleges

Joliet, IL

$54K starting · COL 108

12 colleges

Naperville, IL

$51K starting · COL 102

13 colleges

Elgin, IL

$40K starting · COL 79

13 colleges

Springfield, IL

$46K starting · COL 92

9 colleges

Peoria, IL

$52K starting · COL 104

5 colleges

Waukegan, IL

$45K starting · COL 90.3

4 colleges

Other STEM Majors in Rockford

Prompt Engineering

$45K starting · 1.5 yr ROI

Computational Linguistics

$86K starting · 2 yr ROI

Computer Science

$77K starting · 2.8 yr ROI

Software Engineering

$79K starting · 2.7 yr ROI

Data Science

$74K starting · 3 yr ROI

Astrophysics

$77K starting · 3 yr ROI

Actuarial Science

$45K starting · 3 yr ROI

Cybersecurity

$72K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Environmental Science degree outcomes in Rockford, IL: 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 Science programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Illinois.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Rockford 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 Science 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 Science 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 Science 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 Rockford Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Illinois 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 (Illinois)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Illinois programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "illinois 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 Science Degree in Rockford — 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 Science ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Rockford.

Environmental Science Overview Colleges in Rockford All Majors