Ecology & Evolution at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,161/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 8.9x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #16 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 $548K $544K $501K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 8.9x 8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 3.0x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,591
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,700
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-Davis's Ecology & Evolution graduates start at $32,161/yr — above the $29,875 national average, though not by a wide margin.

A 8.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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 $19,591 against $32,161/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of California-Davis ranks #16 among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $32,161-to-$52,700 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Davis

University of California-Davis's 42% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 31,777 students in Davis, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →

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

Ecology & Evolution at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolution at University of California-Davis?
At 33/100, 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 University of California-Davis?
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 University of California-Davis one of the best schools for Ecology & Evolution?
Among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, University of California-Davis's #16 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 →