Ecology & Evolutionary Biology 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%

Program Analysis

Your UMD degree places you squarely in a rich ecosystem of federal agencies like NOAA, EPA, and USDA, alongside renowned research institutions and numerous environmental non-profits in the DC metro area. This unique geographic advantage significantly drives the program's strong career outcomes, as employers actively recruit graduates for roles spanning conservation, data analysis, and scientific management. The program's rigorous research focus and interdisciplinary opportunities prepare you for diverse paths, from contributing to policy at a federal level to leading field research. While some routine analytical tasks in this field face automation risk, UMD's emphasis on critical thinking and research methodology prepares you for the higher-level roles listed, such as management or advanced research, which are less susceptible. Proactively seek internships with these regional institutions; those connections are pivotal for securing positions that capitalize on the area's unique opportunities.

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 $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

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 & Evolutionary Biology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at University of Maryland-College Park?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Ecology & Evolutionary Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Ecology & Evolutionary Biology 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 & Evolutionary Biology?
Among 64 Ecology & Evolutionary Biology 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 →