Ecology & Evolution at University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,375/yr (22% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs Top 5%

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 $555K $550K $506K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.1x 12.0x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,020
Out-of-state: $161,224 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,360
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,322
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,375 at University of Maryland-College Park come in 22% above the national median of $29,875 for Ecology & Evolution programs.

With a 12.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Ecology & Evolution career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,500 against $36,375/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Maryland-College Park ranks #3 among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $36,375-to-$55,322 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Maryland-College Park

A 45% admission rate makes University of Maryland-College Park accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 30,246 students enrolled in College Park, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Maryland-College Park →

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

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolution at University of Maryland-College Park?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Ecology & Evolution programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Ecology & Evolution at University of Maryland-College Park?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Maryland-College Park one of the best schools for Ecology & Evolution?
Among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, University of Maryland-College Park's #3 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →