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Ecology & Evolution at Eckerd College

Saint Petersburg, FL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
13 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
14
Optimistic
13
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,980/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #63 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs

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 $476K $478K $453K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 14 13 13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$201,496
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$132,044
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
14.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,386
79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,980 per year, Ecology & Evolution graduates from Eckerd College earn below the $29,875 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

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 a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #63 ranking among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs places Eckerd College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $21,980-to-$39,386 earnings arc over five years reflects a 79% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Eckerd College

With 79% of applicants admitted, Eckerd College prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,984 students in Saint Petersburg, FL. After financial aid, the average student pays $132,044 over four years — 34% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Eckerd College →

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) California State University-San Marcos ($40,875) 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)

Other Majors at Eckerd College

Political Science and Government ($34,621) Communication and Media Studies ($33,544) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($33,153) Research and Experimental Psychology ($31,596) Biology, General ($26,871) International Relations and National Security Studies ($26,526) Psychology, General ($25,930) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($25,709)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 13/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolution at Eckerd College?
At 13/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Ecology & Evolution programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Ecology & Evolution degree from Eckerd College?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Ecology & Evolution at Eckerd College?
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 Eckerd College a good choice for Ecology & Evolution despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Eckerd College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →