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Ecology & Evolution at California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,875/yr (37% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 15.5x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs Top 5%

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 $480K $481K $455K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.5x 15.5x 14.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.1x 6.1x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,956
Out-of-state: $78,476 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,200
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

California State University-San Marcos Ecology & Evolution graduates command $40,875/yr out of the gate, well above the $29,875 national median. That 37% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 15.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Ecology & Evolution career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,000 against $40,875/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

California State University-San Marcos ranks #2 among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About California State University-San Marcos

A 96% acceptance rate means California State University-San Marcos is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 14,174 in San Marcos, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 44% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-San Marcos →

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

Compare this program → View all 64 schools offering Ecology & Evolution →

Ecology & Evolution at Other Schools

Princeton University ($53,038) New York University ($41,024) Rutgers University-New Brunswick ($39,491) Siena College ($37,789) University of Colorado Boulder ($37,184) University of Maryland-College Park ($36,375) East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania ($35,762) Bemidji State University ($35,521)

Other Majors at California State University-San Marcos

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($103,799) Accounting and Related Services ($63,366) Computer Systems Analysis ($61,054) Computer Science ($60,645) Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology ($57,682) Physics ($56,018) International Business ($55,455) Management Information Systems and Services ($55,102)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolution at California State University-San Marcos?
At 44/100, 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-San Marcos?
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-San Marcos one of the best schools for Ecology & Evolution?
Among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, California State University-San Marcos's #2 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 →