Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology programs
CIP 2613 · Biological & Biomedical Sciences · ranked by median earnings four years after completion
80 institutions report graduate earnings for Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology programs (College Scorecard, 2024-25). Across them the median is $53,518 four years after completion, with a typical debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47× and 86% of graduates earning above the federal earnings threshold. Indicatively, 5 of the 97 programs with both earnings and a benchmark fall below the earnings-premium benchmark used by the 2025 federal test (effective July 1, 2026); the rest clear it.
| # | Institution | Earn 4yr | % > threshold | Median debt | Debt/earn | Earnings premium | 2 of 3 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of PennsylvaniaPA · Master's | $237,136 n=17 | 94% 1yr | – | – | Above +269% | Clears 2/2 |
| 2 | University of Washington-Seattle CampusWA · Master's | $201,168 n=27 | 93% 5yr | – | – | Above +169% | Clears 2/2 |
| 3 | Harvard UniversityMA · Doctoral | $185,905 n=22 | 100% 5yr | – | – | Above +146% | Clears 2/2 |
| 4 | Harvard UniversityMA · Master's | $168,833 n=27 | 100% 5yr | $63,553 | 0.38× | Above +123% | Clears 2/2 |
| 5 | Johns Hopkins UniversityMD · Doctoral | $117,823 n=28 | – | – | – | Above +55% | – |
| 6 | University of North Carolina at Chapel HillNC · Doctoral | $113,327 n=44 | 88% 1yr | $43,008 | 0.38× | Above +93% | – |
| 7 | Columbia University in the City of New YorkNY · Master's | $108,698 n=126 | 96% 5yr | $74,333 | 0.68× | Above +53% | Clears 2/2 |
| 8 | Johns Hopkins UniversityMD · Master's | $106,149 n=20 | 96% 1yr | $66,000 | 0.62× | Above +40% | – |
| 9 | Columbia University in the City of New YorkNY · Grad cert | $102,199 n=50 | 98% 5yr | $87,000 | 0.85× | Above +44% | Clears 2/2 |
| 10 | George Washington UniversityDC · Master's | $100,537 n=74 | 96% 5yr | $67,389 | 0.67× | Above +16% | Clears 2/2 |
| 11 | Colorado State University-Fort CollinsCO · Doctoral | $96,987 n=17 | 95% 1yr | – | – | Above +44% | – |
| 12 | Boston UniversityMA · Master's | $96,565 n=155 | 95% 5yr | $59,608 | 0.62× | Above +28% | Below 1/2 |
| 13 | Yale UniversityCT · Master's | $93,163 n=51 | 92% 5yr | $66,000 | 0.71× | Above +24% | Clears 2/2 |
| 14 | Johns Hopkins UniversityMD · Grad cert | $91,158 n=20 | 100% 1yr | $63,326 | 0.69× | Above +20% | – |
| 15 | University of California-IrvineCA · Doctoral | $90,675 n=18 | – | – | – | Above +20% | – |
| 16 | Tufts UniversityMA · Master's | $89,553 n=40 | 95% 5yr | $62,600 | 0.70× | Above +18% | Clears 2/2 |
| 17 | Drexel UniversityPA · Master's | $89,003 n=33 | 93% 5yr | $53,500 | 0.60× | Above +39% | Clears 2/2 |
| 18 | Emory UniversityGA · Master's | $88,235 n=129 | 94% 5yr | $66,000 | 0.75× | Above +40% | Clears 2/2 |
| 19 | University of California-DavisCA · Doctoral | $85,764 n=45 | 94% 5yr | $15,054 | 0.18× | Above +14% | Clears 2/2 |
| 20 | Coastal Carolina UniversitySC · Master's | $84,573 n=16 | 95% 1yr | $30,750 | 0.36× | Above +48% | – |
| 21 | University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMN · Master's | $84,522 n=46 | 100% 1yr | $55,678 | 0.66× | Above +24% | – |
| 22 | University of Michigan-Ann ArborMI · Master's | $80,316 n=92 | 100% 5yr | $57,517 | 0.72× | Above +28% | Clears 2/2 |
| 23 | Tulane University of LouisianaLA · Master's | $77,285 n=28 | 92% 5yr | $99,713 | 1.29× | Above +35% | Clears 2/2 |
| 24 | Michigan State UniversityMI · Doctoral | $76,183 n=19 | – | – | – | Above +21% | – |
| 25 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTX · Master's | $74,534 n=64 | 100% 5yr | $34,764 | 0.47× | Above +14% | Clears 2/2 |
| 26 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPA · Professional | $74,229 n=30 | 95% 5yr | $34,500 | 0.47× | Above +16% | Clears 2/2 |
| 27 | University of MiamiFL · Master's | $73,547 n=67 | 92% 5yr | $83,360 | 1.13× | Above +32% | Below 1/2 |
| 28 | Texas A&M University-College StationTX · Master's | $73,144 n=35 | 100% 5yr | $28,000 | 0.38× | Above +12% | Below 1/2 |
| 29 | University of California-Santa CruzCA · Doctoral | $70,373 n=16 | – | – | – | Below -7% | – |
| 30 | University of California-San DiegoCA · Master's | $66,412 n=31 | 73% 5yr | $34,436 | 0.52× | Below -12% | Below 2/2 |
| 31 | University of Maryland-College ParkMD · Bachelor's | $65,639 n=59 | 78% | $19,500 | 0.30× | Above +56% | Clears 2/2 |
| 32 | New York UniversityNY · Bachelor's | $65,406 n=19 | 90% 5yr | $20,500 | 0.31× | Above +72% | Clears 2/2 |
| 33 | California State University-ChicoCA · Bachelor's | $64,274 n=23 | – | $17,500 | 0.27× | Above +67% | – |
| 34 | California State Polytechnic University-PomonaCA · Bachelor's | $63,525 n=26 | 83% 5yr | $12,744 | 0.20× | Above +65% | Clears 2/2 |
| 35 | Connecticut CollegeCT · Bachelor's | $62,925 n=20 | – | $25,979 | 0.41× | Above +49% | – |
| 36 | Nova Southeastern UniversityFL · Master's | $62,655 n=34 | 86% 5yr | $68,145 | 1.09× | Above +13% | Below 1/2 |
| 37 | Princeton UniversityNJ · Bachelor's | $62,344 n=17 | – | – | – | Above +56% | – |
| 38 | University of California-DavisCA · Bachelor's | $62,011 n=24 | – | $19,591 | 0.32× | Above +61% | Clears 2/2 |
| 39 | Oklahoma State University-Main CampusOK · Master's | $61,509 n=19 | – | – | – | Above +13% | – |
| 40 | Brigham Young UniversityUT · Bachelor's | $61,078 n=36 | 77% 5yr | $10,419 | 0.17× | Above +53% | Clears 2/2 |
| 41 | California State University-NorthridgeCA · Bachelor's | $59,940 n=22 | – | $20,335 | 0.34× | Above +56% | – |
| 42 | Texas State UniversityTX · Master's | $59,573 n=23 | 84% 5yr | $33,147 | 0.56× | Below -9% | Below 2/2 |
| 43 | Boston UniversityMA · Bachelor's | $57,967 n=17 | 91% 5yr | $24,677 | 0.43× | Above +33% | Clears 2/2 |
| 44 | California State University-Long BeachCA · Bachelor's | $55,588 n=20 | 61% 1yr | $17,750 | 0.32× | Above +45% | Clears 2/2 |
| 45 | Michigan State UniversityMI · Bachelor's | $55,159 n=29 | 85% 5yr | $25,000 | 0.45× | Above +57% | Clears 2/2 |
| 46 | University of South Carolina-ColumbiaSC · Bachelor's | $55,093 n=43 | 74% | $18,965 | 0.34× | Above +60% | Clears 2/2 |
| 47 | Colorado State University-Fort CollinsCO · Bachelor's | $54,370 n=67 | 89% 5yr | $19,500 | 0.36× | Above +31% | Clears 2/2 |
| 48 | Stony Brook UniversityNY · Bachelor's | $53,747 n=52 | 81% 5yr | $20,038 | 0.37× | Above +41% | Clears 2/2 |
| 49 | California State University-FullertonCA · Bachelor's | $53,518 n=30 | 82% 5yr | $17,387 | 0.33× | Above +39% | Clears 2/2 |
| 50 | University of DaytonOH · Bachelor's | $53,448 n=19 | – | $23,000 | 0.43× | Above +45% | – |
| 51 | University of Colorado BoulderCO · Bachelor's | $53,429 n=89 | 71% | $21,256 | 0.40× | Above +28% | Clears 2/2 |
| 52 | Northeastern UniversityMA · Master's | $53,164 n=19 | – | – | – | Below -30% | – |
| 53 | Oklahoma State University-Main CampusOK · Bachelor's | $53,126 n=57 | 53% 1yr | $21,410 | 0.40× | Above +50% | – |
| 54 | University of ConnecticutCT · Bachelor's | $52,766 n=33 | 86% 5yr | $26,012 | 0.49× | Above +25% | Below 1/2 |
| 55 | University of Connecticut-Avery PointCT · Bachelor's | $52,766 n=33 | 86% 5yr | $26,012 | 0.49× | Above +25% | Below 1/2 |
| 56 | University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusCT · Bachelor's | $52,766 n=33 | 86% 5yr | $26,012 | 0.49× | Above +25% | Below 1/2 |
| 57 | University of Connecticut-StamfordCT · Bachelor's | $52,766 n=33 | 86% 5yr | $26,012 | 0.49× | Above +25% | Below 1/2 |
| 58 | University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusCT · Bachelor's | $52,766 n=33 | 86% 5yr | $26,012 | 0.49× | Above +25% | Below 1/2 |
| 59 | University of California-San DiegoCA · Bachelor's | $52,701 n=87 | 82% 5yr | $18,367 | 0.35× | Above +37% | Clears 2/2 |
| 60 | University of Michigan-Ann ArborMI · Bachelor's | $52,390 n=36 | 71% 5yr | $15,242 | 0.29× | Above +49% | Below 1/2 |
| 61 | University of DelawareDE · Bachelor's | $52,110 n=18 | – | $19,500 | 0.37× | Above +36% | – |
| 62 | Roger Williams UniversityRI · Bachelor's | $51,857 n=29 | 86% 5yr | $27,000 | 0.52× | Above +24% | Clears 2/2 |
| 63 | University of California-Los AngelesCA · Bachelor's | $51,559 n=18 | – | $17,417 | 0.34× | Above +34% | – |
| 64 | University of North TexasTX · Bachelor's | $51,368 n=20 | 50% 1yr | $17,677 | 0.34× | Above +44% | – |
| 65 | University of California-Santa BarbaraCA · Bachelor's | $50,694 n=47 | 77% 5yr | $12,750 | 0.25× | Above +32% | Clears 2/2 |
| 66 | University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMN · Bachelor's | $50,106 n=25 | 81% 5yr | $22,287 | 0.45× | Above +25% | Clears 2/2 |
| 67 | SUNY College of Environmental Science and ForestryNY · Bachelor's | $50,010 n=121 | 36% | $19,500 | 0.39× | Above +31% | Below 1/2 |
| 68 | University of California-Santa CruzCA · Bachelor's | $49,821 n=131 | 47% | $17,589 | 0.35× | Above +30% | Below 1/2 |
| 69 | Utah State UniversityUT · Bachelor's | $49,758 n=17 | – | – | – | Above +25% | – |
| 70 | University of Wisconsin-MadisonWI · Bachelor's | $49,602 n=49 | 61% 5yr | $19,500 | 0.39× | Above +27% | Clears 2/2 |
| 71 | University of GeorgiaGA · Bachelor's | $49,436 n=22 | – | $14,000 | 0.28× | Above +40% | – |
| 72 | Siena CollegeNY · Bachelor's | $49,016 n=24 | 59% 1yr | $27,000 | 0.55× | Above +29% | – |
| 73 | Eckerd CollegeFL · Bachelor's | $48,631 n=52 | 52% | $27,000 | 0.56× | Above +44% | Clears 2/2 |
| 74 | University of New EnglandME · Bachelor's | $48,592 n=25 | 83% 5yr | $27,000 | 0.56× | Above +33% | Clears 2/2 |
| 75 | University of Rhode IslandRI · Bachelor's | $48,446 n=43 | 81% 5yr | $20,500 | 0.42× | Above +15% | Below 1/2 |
| 76 | Rutgers University-New BrunswickNJ · Bachelor's | $47,553 n=16 | – | $25,750 | 0.54× | Above +19% | – |
| 77 | University of IdahoID · Bachelor's | $47,372 n=17 | – | $16,000 | 0.34× | Above +33% | – |
| 78 | University of Hawaii at ManoaHI · Bachelor's | $46,500 n=35 | 79% 5yr | $24,577 | 0.53× | Above +14% | Below 1/2 |
| 79 | Texas A&M University-College StationTX · Bachelor's | $46,453 n=113 | 69% | $21,624 | 0.47× | Above +30% | Clears 2/2 |
| 80 | Bemidji State UniversityMN · Bachelor's | $45,822 n=20 | 100% 5yr | $20,600 | 0.45× | Above +15% | Clears 2/2 |
| 81 | Coastal Carolina UniversitySC · Bachelor's | $45,323 n=171 | 52% | $23,973 | 0.53× | Above +32% | Clears 2/2 |
| 82 | Nova Southeastern UniversityFL · Bachelor's | $45,287 n=19 | – | $20,500 | 0.45× | Above +34% | – |
| 83 | University of New HavenCT · Bachelor's | $45,115 n=34 | – | $27,000 | 0.60× | Above +7% | Below 1/2 |
| 84 | Stockton UniversityNJ · Bachelor's | $44,981 n=48 | 67% | $22,875 | 0.51× | Above +13% | Below 1/2 |
| 85 | Unity Environmental UniversityME · Bachelor's | $44,652 n=19 | – | $27,000 | 0.60× | Above +22% | Below 1/2 |
| 86 | Saint Cloud State UniversityMN · Bachelor's | $44,386 n=20 | – | $25,312 | 0.57× | Above +11% | Clears 2/2 |
| 87 | State University of New York at PlattsburghNY · Bachelor's | $44,153 n=18 | – | $18,262 | 0.41× | Above +16% | Clears 2/2 |
| 88 | The University of TampaFL · Bachelor's | $43,683 n=47 | 84% 5yr | $26,449 | 0.60× | Above +29% | Clears 2/2 |
| 89 | Florida Southern CollegeFL · Bachelor's | $43,549 n=20 | – | $23,250 | 0.53× | Above +29% | – |
| 90 | University of MiamiFL · Bachelor's | $42,932 n=22 | – | $16,500 | 0.38× | Above +27% | Below 1/2 |
| 91 | College of CharlestonSC · Bachelor's | $42,466 n=22 | 88% 5yr | $25,000 | 0.59× | Above +23% | Clears 2/2 |
| 92 | St Lawrence UniversityNY · Bachelor's | $41,638 n=16 | – | $26,500 | 0.64× | Above +9% | – |
| 93 | University of North Carolina WilmingtonNC · Bachelor's | $39,812 n=80 | 66% | $19,500 | 0.49× | Above +16% | Clears 2/2 |
| 94 | University of Hawaii at HiloHI · Bachelor's | $39,528 n=19 | 58% 5yr | $20,115 | 0.51× | Below -3% | Below 2/2 |
| 95 | Iowa State UniversityIA · Bachelor's | $39,143 n=151 | 54% | $21,500 | 0.55× | Above +2% | Clears 2/2 |
| 96 | University of Southern MississippiMS · Bachelor's | $36,771 n=24 | – | $15,000 | 0.41× | Above +12% | – |
| 97 | University of Puerto Rico-HumacaoPR · Bachelor's | $31,382 n=17 | – | – | – | Above +91% | – |
% > threshold is ED's own share of graduates earning above the federal earnings threshold, taken from the best available measurement window (4-, 5- or 1-year) pooled across all nine College Scorecard Field-of-Study releases; a chip marks any figure not on the 4-year window. Earnings premium compares median earnings four years out to the U.S. Census ACS median for a high-school graduate (undergraduate credentials) or bachelor's-degree holder (graduate credentials) in the institution's state. 2 of 3 yrs flags programs below that benchmark in two of the latest three reported cohort-years, the statutory trigger under the 2025 federal earnings-premium test (effective July 1, 2026). Indicative estimates; the Department of Education's official determination may differ. Figures lag the current year by 2–3 years.
| State | Median earn 4yr | Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $98,654 | 4 |
| Massachusetts | $93,059 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | $89,003 | 3 |
| Michigan | $65,671 | 4 |
| California | $60,976 | 14 |
| Texas | $59,573 | 5 |
| Colorado | $54,370 | 3 |
| Connecticut | $52,766 | 8 |
| New York | $51,879 | 8 |
| South Carolina | $50,208 | 4 |
| Minnesota | $47,964 | 4 |
| New Jersey | $47,553 | 3 |
| Florida | $45,287 | 7 |
States with at least 3 reporting Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology programs, by median graduate earnings.
Which colleges have the highest-paying Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology programs?
By median earnings four years after completion, the highest-paying Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology programs in this dataset are University of Pennsylvania ($237,136), University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($201,168), Harvard University ($185,905). Earnings reflect College Scorecard field-of-study data (2024-25) and vary by credential level and location.
Are Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology programs at risk under the federal earnings-premium test?
Indicatively, 5 of the 97 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology programs with both earnings and a state/national benchmark have median graduate earnings below the earnings-premium benchmark used by the 2025 federal test (effective July 1, 2026), under which a program can lose Title IV eligibility if its graduates earn less than a typical worker without the credential for 2 of 3 years. This estimate uses College Scorecard earnings vs U.S. Census ACS medians; the Department of Education's official determination uses its own cohort definition and may differ.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard Field of Study, 2014–15 through 2022–23 cohorts plus the most-recent snapshot (2024-25); threshold pass-rates pooled across all nine releases. Earnings-premium benchmarks from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS). Compiled by Ibex Insights. See the methodology.