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Ecology & Evolution at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,842/yr (-0% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #25 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 $497K $497K $467K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.8x 11.8x 11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.5x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,407
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,842/yr, Ecology & Evolution graduates from Iowa State University land near the $29,875 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 11.8x 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 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,500 debt-to-$29,842 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #25 out of 64 programs, Iowa State University's Ecology & Evolution offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $29,842 to $45,407 over five years (52% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Iowa State University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Iowa State University prioritizes broad access, with 25,033 students enrolled in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State 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

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 Iowa State University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,913) Computer Engineering ($79,182) Computer Science ($78,517) Construction Engineering ($77,845) Chemical Engineering ($76,184) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($75,036) Industrial Engineering ($74,310) Mechanical Engineering ($72,900)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Iowa State University's Ecology & Evolution program score?
This program scores 30/100 — 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 →