Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $24,862 place Saint Cloud State University below the $29,875 national median for Ecology & Evolution — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Ecology & Evolution programs nationally.
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 6% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $25,312 against $24,862/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.0 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.
Ranked #36 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, Saint Cloud State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $42,896 show a 73% jump from the $24,862 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.