Program Analysis
At $25,810/yr, Ecology & Evolution graduates from University of California-Santa Cruz land near the $29,875 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
At 8.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 46% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $17,589 debt-to-$25,810 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #49 out of 64 programs, University of California-Santa Cruz's financial outcomes for Ecology & Evolution trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $25,810 to $40,513 over five years (57% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.