Ecology & Evolution at University of West Florida

Pensacola, FL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,299/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 18.3x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #34 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs

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 $464K $466K $444K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.2x 18.3x 17.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 6.1x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$25,440
Out-of-state: $76,964 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$32,620
-28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,430
56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $25,299 per year, Ecology & Evolution graduates from University of West Florida earn below the $29,875 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.3x 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 4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $17,500 represents roughly 8 months of the $25,299 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #34 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs, University of West Florida falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $39,430 show a 56% jump from the $25,299 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of West Florida

University of West Florida accepts 57% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 9,042 students in Pensacola, FL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of West Florida →

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 University of West Florida?
A score of 29/100 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 $444,319 in decade earnings vs $463,949 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Ecology & Evolution from University of West Florida?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →