Ecology & Evolutionary Biology 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%

Program Analysis

This program at CU Boulder clearly prepares graduates for competitive roles, reflecting strong regional demand and the university’s robust research environment. Situated amidst diverse ecosystems, you'll benefit from Boulder's unique concentration of federal research labs, environmental consulting firms, and conservation non-profits. This rich local market provides unparalleled internship and entry-level opportunities, often in roles requiring sophisticated data analysis, field research, and policy interpretation. You'll likely find yourself in positions blending scientific rigor with practical application, working with agencies like the EPA, National Park Service, or leading environmental consultancies. To maximize your prospects, actively seek out research assistantships and internships. Developing strong quantitative skills alongside hands-on field experience and communication abilities will be crucial for navigating career paths and future-proofing your expertise.

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 $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

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 & Evolutionary Biology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Colorado Boulder's Ecology & Evolutionary Biology program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Ecology & Evolutionary Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Ecology & Evolutionary Biology 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 & Evolutionary Biology?
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 →