Home › Colorado State University-Fort Collins › Ecology & Evolution

Ecology & Evolution at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,322/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 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 $540K $536K $496K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.4x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.0x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,584
Out-of-state: $135,004 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,328
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,979
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,322 per year, Ecology & Evolution graduates from Colorado State University-Fort Collins earn slightly above the $29,875 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 10.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Ecology & Evolution career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,500 against $35,322/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Colorado State University-Fort Collins ranks #10 among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 50% earnings increase from $35,322 to $52,979 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Colorado State University-Fort Collins

With 90% of applicants admitted, Colorado State University-Fort Collins prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 25,148 students in Fort Collins, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado State University-Fort Collins →

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

Compare this program → View all 64 schools offering Ecology & Evolution →

Ecology & Evolution at Other Schools

Princeton University ($53,038) New York University ($41,024) California State University-San Marcos ($40,875) Rutgers University-New Brunswick ($39,491) Siena College ($37,789) University of Colorado Boulder ($37,184) University of Maryland-College Park ($36,375) East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania ($35,762)

Other Majors at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($78,856) Construction Engineering Technologies ($78,423) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,038) Civil Engineering ($73,326) Information Science/Studies ($67,827) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($66,109) Chemical Engineering ($62,468) Mechanical Engineering ($60,720)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolution at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
At 38/100, 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 Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
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 Colorado State University-Fort Collins one of the best schools for Ecology & Evolution?
Among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, Colorado State University-Fort Collins's #10 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 →