Ecology & Evolution at University of Delaware

Newark, DE · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,296/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 6.8x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #24 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs Top 50%

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 $434K $438K $424K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.7x 6.8x 6.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.7x 2.8x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,320
Out-of-state: $158,880 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,724
-5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,296/yr, edging above the $29,875 national average for Ecology & Evolution — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 6.8x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Ecology & Evolution's typical career paths, with 46% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 2% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,500 represents roughly 7 months of the $33,296 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #24 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, University of Delaware scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

About University of Delaware

With a 65% acceptance rate, University of Delaware is moderately selective, with a mid-sized student body of 18,812 in Newark, DE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Delaware →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Ecology & Evolution at University of Delaware?
A score of 30/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Ecology & Evolution. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Ecology & Evolution careers?
With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $423,884 in decade earnings vs $434,046 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →