Home › Western Michigan University › Ecology & Evolution

Ecology & Evolution at Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,846/yr (-20% vs median)

AI Risk High (46% exposed)

Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)

ROI 6.3x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #50 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	$377K	$385K	$385K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	6.2x	6.3x	6.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.9x	5.0x	5.0x
Probability of Field Employment	53%	49%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	22	22	22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$61,192

Out-of-state: $76,392 (5.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,804

-22% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,250

13.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $23,846/yr fall 20% below the $29,875 national median for Ecology & Evolution. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

A 6.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The -2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Ecology & Evolution career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #50 ranking among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs places Western Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 12,704 students in Kalamazoo, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan 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

Ecology & Evolution at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Michigan University

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolution at Western Michigan University?

At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Ecology & Evolution programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Ecology & Evolution degree from Western Michigan University?

At $26,250 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Ecology & Evolution at Western Michigan University?

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 Western Michigan University a good choice for Ecology & Evolution despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Western Michigan University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →