Ecology & Evolution at California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,436/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Ecology & Evolution graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $447K $450K $433K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.9x 16.1x 15.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 6.0x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,032
Out-of-state: $75,552 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$35,724
-27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,750
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$45,596
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,436/yr, edging above the $29,875 national average for Ecology & Evolution — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 16.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Ecology & Evolution career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $17,750 against $35,436/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

California State University-Long Beach ranks #9 among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About California State University-Long Beach

With a 47% acceptance rate, California State University-Long Beach is moderately selective, serving a student body of 34,131 in Long Beach, CA. With 49% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Long Beach →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Statisticians $103,300/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Ecology & Evolution at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Long Beach

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolution at California State University-Long Beach?
At 38/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Ecology & Evolution programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Ecology & Evolution at California State University-Long Beach?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State University-Long Beach one of the best schools for Ecology & Evolution?
Among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, California State University-Long Beach's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →