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Ecology & Evolution at California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,838/yr (17% vs median)

AI Risk High (46% exposed)

Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)

ROI 15.7x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #11 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs Top 25%

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	$443K	$447K	$430K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.6x	15.7x	15.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.8x	5.9x	5.7x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	49%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	37	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$28,380

Out-of-state: $75,900 (5.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$30,396

-7% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,335

7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

California State University-Northridge's Ecology & Evolution graduates start at $34,838/yr — above the $29,875 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 15.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Ecology & Evolution career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,335 against $34,838/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

California State University-Northridge ranks #11 among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About California State University-Northridge

A 93% acceptance rate means California State University-Northridge is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 32,357 in Northridge, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Northridge →

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 California State University-Northridge

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolution at California State University-Northridge?

At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Ecology & Evolution programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Ecology & Evolution at California State University-Northridge?

The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is California State University-Northridge one of the best schools for Ecology & Evolution?

Among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, California State University-Northridge's #11 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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