Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at Iowa State University

Iowa State's ecology program starts graduates at nearly $30,000 annually—basically matching both national and state medians—but the trajectory matters more than the starting point here. By year four, earnings jump 33% to nearly $40,000, demonstrating that early-career growth can compensate for a modest initial salary. Among Iowa's limited options for this major (just four schools offer it), this program sits at the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms most in-state alternatives.

The debt picture looks reasonable: $24,347 translates to a 0.82 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than one year's starting salary. That's manageable territory, especially given the strong earnings growth. These aren't numbers that should trigger alarm bells about repayment struggles, though anyone considering this field needs to understand they're choosing passion over peak earning potential—biology-focused careers rarely compete with engineering or business salaries.

The real consideration here is whether your child is genuinely committed to environmental science or conservation work. With robust sample size backing these numbers, you're seeing what typical graduates actually earn, not outliers. If they're certain about the field, Iowa State provides a solid foundation without crushing debt. If they're uncertain, the limited earning ceiling in this sector means it's worth serious conversations before committing.