Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
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)
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)
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
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 →