Ecology & Evolution at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,184/yr (24% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 8.4x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs Top 25%

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 $554K $550K $506K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.4x 8.4x 7.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,720
Out-of-state: $167,772 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,920
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,256
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,519
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,184 at University of Colorado Boulder come in 24% above the national median of $29,875 for Ecology & Evolution programs.

At 8.4x 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 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,256 debt-to-$37,184 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #8 out of 64 programs, University of Colorado Boulder's Ecology & Evolution program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $37,184 to $55,519 shows 49% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 31,578 students enrolled in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

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

Ecology & Evolution at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Colorado Boulder

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Colorado Boulder's Ecology & Evolution program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Ecology & Evolution. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Ecology & Evolution to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Ecology & Evolution careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 46% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of Colorado Boulder rank so high for Ecology & Evolution?
The #8 ranking out of 64 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →