Home › University of California-San Diego › Ecology & Evolution

Ecology & Evolution at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,088/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.3x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #17 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs Top 50%

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 $576K $570K $521K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.4x 9.3x 8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,000
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,367
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,518
79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,088 track close to the $29,875 national median for Ecology & Evolution programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

A 9.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Ecology & Evolution career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,367 against $31,088/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #17 ranking among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs places University of California-San Diego in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $31,088-to-$55,518 earnings arc over five years reflects a 79% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-San Diego

University of California-San Diego admits 25% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, one of the larger campuses at 33,787 students in La Jolla, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-San Diego →

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

Compare this program → View all 64 schools offering Ecology & Evolution →

Ecology & Evolution at Other Schools

Princeton University ($53,038) New York University ($41,024) California State University-San Marcos ($40,875) Rutgers University-New Brunswick ($39,491) Siena College ($37,789) University of Colorado Boulder ($37,184) University of Maryland-College Park ($36,375) East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania ($35,762)

Other Majors at University of California-San Diego

Computer Science ($112,006) Computer Engineering ($96,256) Mathematics and Computer Science ($89,651) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,687) Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology ($76,592) Mechanical Engineering ($69,555) Biological/Biosystems Engineering ($67,016) Civil Engineering ($65,478)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolution at University of California-San Diego?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Ecology & Evolution programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Ecology & Evolution at University of California-San Diego?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →