Ecology & Evolution at San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,764/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 15.0x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #12 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 $443K $446K $430K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.9x 15.0x 14.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.8x 5.6x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 37 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,696
Out-of-state: $77,216 (5.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,528
-74% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

At $34,764 per year, Ecology & Evolution graduates from San Francisco State University earn slightly above the $29,875 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 15.0x 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 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Ranked #12 out of 64 programs, San Francisco State University's Ecology & Evolution program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

About San Francisco State University

With 96% of applicants admitted, San Francisco State University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 20,033 in San Francisco, CA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at San Francisco 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does San Francisco State University's Ecology & Evolution program score?
This program scores 37/100 — 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.
Why does San Francisco State University rank so high for Ecology & Evolution?
The #12 ranking out of 64 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →