Entry Level Salary
$34,299
Median Salary
$80,388
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
28.3%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,215,520
Entry (Early)
$34,299
Median (Prime)
$80,388
High (Prime)
$86,893
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-148k
+249k
+301k
$25k / yr
-237k
+159k
+211k
$50k / yr
-327k
+69k
+121k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
27
26
$25k / yr
Never
34
32
$50k / yr
Never
45
39
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-218%
146%
194%
$50k / yr
-151%
32%
56%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate37%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Biological scientists
5.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$37,074
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$61,404|$99,760
openings
10,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%
Management occupations
4.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$37,836
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$97,164|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Postsecondary teachers
4.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$25,724
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$52,136|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Elementary and middle school teachers
3.3% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$32,155
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$58,951|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%
Physical scientists, all other
2.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,509
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$82,350|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%
Secondary school teachers
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$42,874
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$66,910|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$59,704
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$69,670|$82,220
openings
7,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Registered nurses
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$69,514
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,057|$97,550
openings
180,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.6%
Animal caretakers
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$21,973
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$32,186|$35,360
openings
62,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +12.1%
Project management specialists
1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$37,514
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$90,368|$102,320
openings
76,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| ecology, evolution, systematics, and population biology. | Undergrad Certificate | 2 | Data N/A |
| ecology, evolution, systematics, and population biology. | Associate's Degree | 5 | Data N/A |
| ecology, evolution, systematics, and population biology. | Bachelor's Degree | 187 | $31,382 - $65,639 |
| ecology, evolution, systematics, and population biology. | Master's Degree | 112 | $53,164 - $237,136 |
| ecology, evolution, systematics, and population biology. | Doctoral Degree | 104 | $70,373 - $185,905 |
| ecology, evolution, systematics, and population biology. | First Professional Degree | 2 | $74,229 - $74,229 |
| ecology, evolution, systematics, and population biology. | Graduate Certificate | 13 | $91,158 - $102,199 |