Ecology & Evolution at Coastal Carolina University

Conway, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,838/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #42 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 $475K $476K $452K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.2x 10.2x 9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.0x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,560
Out-of-state: $118,512 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,968
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,973
10.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,398
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Coastal Carolina University's Ecology & Evolution program produces graduates earning $26,838/yr — within striking distance of the $29,875 national average for this field.

The 10.2x 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 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,973 debt-to-$26,838 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #42 out of 64 programs, Coastal Carolina University's financial outcomes for Ecology & Evolution trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $26,838 to $41,398 over five years (54% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Coastal Carolina University

A 80% acceptance rate means Coastal Carolina University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 9,909 students in Conway, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Coastal Carolina University →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Coastal Carolina University's Ecology & Evolution program score?
This program scores 24/100 — 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 →