Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

East Stroudsburg's ecology program punches well above its weight nationally, placing graduates in the 92nd percentile for earnings despite the university's open-admission profile. With first-year earnings of $35,762—21% above the national median for this field—graduates are earning more than peers at three-quarters of comparable programs across the country. The debt load of $18,783 is notably lower than the national average, creating a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio that most biology majors would envy.

The picture within Pennsylvania is less remarkable but still solid. Earnings sit right at the state median, suggesting East Stroudsburg holds its own among Pennsylvania's 18 programs in this field. The 20% earnings growth from year one to year four indicates graduates are finding career traction, though this particular biology specialization rarely leads to six-figure salaries.

The major caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual career paths could swing these numbers significantly. For families seeking an affordable path into ecological sciences without the debt burden typical of this major, East Stroudsburg delivers strong national value. Just understand you're choosing a field known for modest starting salaries, even when the program performs well.