Ecology & Evolution at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,844/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 6.6x earnings multiple (2.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #59 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 $455K $458K $438K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.6x 6.6x 6.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.0x 2.0x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$68,912
Out-of-state: $232,288 (2.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,328
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,242
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,268
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $22,844 per year, Ecology & Evolution graduates from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor earn below the $29,875 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 6.6x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 46% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $15,242 debt-to-$22,844 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #59 out of 64 programs, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's financial outcomes for Ecology & Evolution trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $22,844 to $37,268 over five years (63% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

A 18% acceptance rate puts University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in competitive admissions territory, one of the larger campuses at 33,488 students in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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

Other Majors at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Ecology & Evolution program score?
This program scores 19/100 — 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor?
Lower starting pay at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 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 →