Ecology & Evolutionary Biologyat Eckerd College
Graduates earn $21,980/yr in their first year — about 26.0% below the national Ecology & Evolutionary Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $478K; scenarios range from $453K to $476K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Eckerd College
For Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at Eckerd, the outcomes reflect the challenging realities of entering this field directly after an undergraduate degree. Many entry-level positions, often with environmental non-profits, state parks, or government agencies like FWC in Florida, are passion-driven and may involve field technician work, research assistance, or environmental education, which don't command high salaries initially. The program likely provides a strong foundational science education with valuable fieldwork experience, typical of a liberal arts college. However, without further specialization or an advanced degree, the direct pipeline to the higher-earning roles you see listed (like statisticians or managers) is often limited. To significantly boost your career trajectory, prioritize internships that offer specific technical skills like GIS mapping or advanced data analysis, and seriously consider graduate studies or certifications that specialize your expertise in a high-demand niche.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Eckerd College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
How Eckerd College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Eckerd College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Eckerd College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Eckerd College
What does a 13/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Eckerd College?
At 13/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Ecology & Evolutionary Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Ecology & Evolutionary Biology 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 & Evolutionary Biology 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 & Evolutionary Biology 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.