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Ecology & Evolution at University of Dayton

Dayton, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,609/yr (-21% vs median)

AI Risk High (46% exposed)

Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)

ROI 2.0x earnings multiple

Ranked #62 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs

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	$375K	$384K	$384K
Earnings Multiple	2.0x	2.0x	2.0x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	49%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	19	18	19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$190,400

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$124,944

34% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,000

11.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $23,609 per year, Ecology & Evolution graduates from University of Dayton earn below the $29,875 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 46% task exposure — and the -2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,000 debt-to-$23,609 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #62 out of 64 programs, University of Dayton's financial outcomes for Ecology & Evolution trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of Dayton

University of Dayton accepts 62% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 8,099 in Dayton, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $124,944 over four years — 34% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Dayton →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Dayton's Ecology & Evolution program score?

This program scores 18/100 — 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 are Ecology & Evolution earnings lower at University of Dayton?

Lower starting pay at University of Dayton may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →