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Ecology & Evolution at The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $17,511/yr (-41% vs median)

AI Risk High (46% exposed)

Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)

ROI 7.3x earnings multiple (2.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #51 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	$338K	$349K	$359K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	7.1x	7.3x	7.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	2.5x	2.6x	2.7x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	49%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	21	21	19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$47,600

Out-of-state: $132,800 (2.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$88,600

-86% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

At $17,511 per year, Ecology & Evolution graduates from The University of Alabama earn below the $29,875 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 7.3x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Ecology & Evolution's typical career paths, with 46% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a -6% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #51 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, The University of Alabama falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About The University of Alabama

With 76% of applicants admitted, The University of Alabama prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 32,323 students in Tuscaloosa, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Alabama →

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 & Evolution at The University of Alabama?

A score of 21/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Ecology & Evolution. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Ecology & Evolution careers?

With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $358,525 in decade earnings vs $338,398 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Ecology & Evolution from The University of Alabama?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →