Program Analysis
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's Ecology & Evolution graduates start at $33,682/yr — above the $29,875 national average, though not by a wide margin.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.4x 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 9% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $22,287 represents roughly 8 months of the $33,682 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #15 of 64 nationally, this is a top-5% Ecology & Evolution program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Five-year earnings of $54,829 show a 63% jump from the $33,682 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.