Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,999/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #22 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

Your degree from Harvard in Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology immediately signals a high level of academic rigor and research capability, opening doors that are often less accessible to others. The program's location in Cambridge, a global hub for biotech, environmental science, and academic research, provides unparalleled access to prestigious institutions and cutting-edge projects. You'll find strong recruiting pipelines into advanced research roles, conservation leadership, government agencies, and even data-intensive positions within private industry or academia, often requiring further graduate study. While some analytical aspects of the field face AI risk, a Harvard education uniquely positions you to *lead* these technological advancements. Focus on cultivating strong quantitative and computational skills, and actively seek interdisciplinary research opportunities; this will significantly enhance your adaptability and long-term career resilience.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $793K $772K $669K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$236,304
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,264
72% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,952
144% growth from Year 1

About Harvard University

Harvard University's 3% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 7,755 students in Cambridge, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $67,264 — 72% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Harvard University →

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 & Evolutionary Biology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University?
A score of 31/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Ecology & Evolutionary Biology careers?
With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $669,049 in decade earnings vs $792,820 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Harvard University a hidden gem for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology?
After financial aid, the average student pays $67,264 over four years — 72% below the $236,304 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →