Ecology & Evolutionary Biologyat Princeton University
Graduates earn $53,038/yr in their first year — about 78.0% above the national Ecology & Evolutionary Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $549K; scenarios range from $506K to $554K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Princeton University
Princeton's exceptional reputation and rigorous academic environment mean your degree in Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology signals top-tier analytical and research capabilities. While direct field ecology roles exist, many graduates leverage these highly transferable skills, alongside the powerful alumni network, to pursue advanced degrees or pivot into leadership positions across diverse sectors. You'll find paths in biotech, pharmaceuticals, environmental consulting, or even quantitative roles in finance, where your problem-solving abilities are highly valued. The focus on systematics and population biology provides a strong foundation for data analysis and complex modeling, making you adaptable to evolving industry demands, including those impacted by AI. Your success here stems from the institution's brand opening doors and the deep critical thinking you'll develop. Actively engage with Princeton’s career services and alumni network to explore the full, often interdisciplinary, spectrum of high-impact careers open to you.
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 Princeton University'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 Princeton University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Princeton University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Princeton University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University
How does Princeton University's Ecology & Evolutionary Biology program score?
This program scores 40/100 — on the lower end for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Ecology & Evolutionary Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Ecology & Evolutionary Biology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 46% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $238,840, but the average net cost is $42,220 — a 82% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.