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Ecology & Evolution at Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,999/yr (7% vs median)

AI Risk High (46% exposed)

Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)

ROI 3.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #22 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs Top 50%

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	$793K	$772K	$669K
Earnings Multiple	3.4x	3.3x	2.8x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	49%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	32	31	32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$236,304

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,264

72% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$77,952

144% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,999 at Harvard University come in 7% above the national median of $29,875 for Ecology & Evolution programs.

An earnings multiple of 3.3x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Ecology & Evolution's typical career paths, with 46% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.

At #22 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, Harvard University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $77,952 show a 144% jump from the $31,999 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Harvard University

Harvard University's 3% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 7,755 students in Cambridge, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $67,264 — 72% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Harvard 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Ecology & Evolution at Harvard University?

A score of 31/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Ecology & Evolution. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Ecology & Evolution careers?

With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $669,049 in decade earnings vs $792,820 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is Harvard University a hidden gem for Ecology & Evolution?

After financial aid, the average student pays $67,264 over four years — 72% below the $236,304 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.

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