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Ecology & Evolution at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · 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
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,323/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Large (72,700 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #18 of 64 Ecology & Evolution programs Top 50%

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 $434K $438K $424K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.7x 11.8x 11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,144
Out-of-state: $111,412 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,720
-101% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,020
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $33,323 at Western Washington University come in 12% above the national median of $29,875 for Ecology & Evolution programs.

With a 11.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $22,020 against $33,323/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #18 ranking among 64 Ecology & Evolution programs places Western Washington University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Western Washington University

Western Washington University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 13,574 students in Bellingham, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington 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

Compare this program → View all 64 schools offering Ecology & Evolution →

Ecology & Evolution at Other Schools

Princeton University ($53,038) New York University ($41,024) California State University-San Marcos ($40,875) Rutgers University-New Brunswick ($39,491) Siena College ($37,789) University of Colorado Boulder ($37,184) University of Maryland-College Park ($36,375) East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania ($35,762)

Other Majors at Western Washington University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($80,808) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,516) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($72,675) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($68,219) Manufacturing Engineering ($65,863) Management Information Systems and Services ($61,668) Polymer/Plastics Engineering ($60,375) Accounting and Related Services ($60,048)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Ecology & Evolution at Western Washington University?
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 Western Washington 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →