Ecology & Evolutionary Biology 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 & Evolutionary Biology 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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at University of California-San Diego?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Ecology & Evolutionary Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Ecology & Evolutionary Biology 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 →