Home › University of Wisconsin-Madison › Ecology & Evolution

Ecology & Evolution at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,856/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk High (46% exposed)

Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)

ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #40 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	$457K	$460K	$440K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.2x	10.3x	9.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	2.8x	2.8x	2.7x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	49%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	25	27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$44,820

Out-of-state: $162,412 (2.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,712

-51% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

8.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$39,796

38% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $28,856/yr, roughly in line with the $29,875 national median for Ecology & Evolution. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 10.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

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

The $19,500 debt-to-$28,856 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #40 out of 64 programs, University of Wisconsin-Madison's financial outcomes for Ecology & Evolution trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $28,856 to $39,796 shows 38% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

A 43% admission rate makes University of Wisconsin-Madison accessible to a wide range of qualified students, one of the larger campuses at 35,665 students in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →

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 Wisconsin-Madison

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Wisconsin-Madison's Ecology & Evolution program score?

This program scores 25/100 — 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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →