Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at St Lawrence University

Canton, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,443/yr (-42% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 1.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #47 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs

Program Analysis

For a St. Lawrence Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology degree, you'll see earnings trends below the national average for this field. This isn't necessarily a reflection on the quality of the education, but rather the typical career paths and labor market dynamics. Many graduates from programs like this, especially from liberal arts institutions, gravitate towards roles in conservation, environmental education, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. These vital sectors often offer lower starting salaries compared to private industry research or biotech roles. St. Lawrence's strong liberal arts foundation will equip you with excellent critical thinking and communication skills, highly valued in policy analysis, advocacy, or field-based roles often found with organizations like the NYSDEC or local land trusts. To boost your earning potential, consider pairing your major with a minor in data science, GIS, or even environmental policy, and aggressively pursue internships to build specialized skills and professional networks. Geographic flexibility can also open doors to higher-paying opportunities outside the immediate region.

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 $338K $349K $358K
Earnings Multiple 1.3x 1.4x 1.4x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$255,480
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$122,244
52% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,500
18.2 months of Year 1 earnings

About St Lawrence University

St Lawrence University's 58% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 2,040 students in Canton, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $122,244 over four years — 52% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at St Lawrence 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at St Lawrence University?
A score of 23/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at St Lawrence University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $26,500 against $17,443/yr starting salary means roughly 1.5 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
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 $358,244 in decade earnings vs $337,986 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from St Lawrence University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Is St Lawrence University a hidden gem for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology?
After financial aid, the average student pays $122,244 over four years — 52% below the $255,480 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 →