Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams biology graduates start modestly at $29,074—barely above the national median—but something notable happens over the next three years: their earnings surge 49% to $43,284. That's substantially higher than typical outcomes for this degree, both nationally ($29,460) and among Rhode Island's four programs (state median: $27,625). Your child would actually be attending the highest-earning ecology program in Rhode Island, edging out URI by a significant margin after four years.

The debt picture looks favorable at first glance—$27,000 ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with more debt. The year-one ratio of 0.93 means your child could theoretically pay off loans within a year of their starting salary, though the low initial earnings make that first year tight. The strong earnings trajectory suggests this program connects graduates to career paths with genuine advancement potential, whether in environmental consulting, research, or related fields.

The caveat: with a moderate sample size and Roger Williams's 88% admission rate, these outcomes likely reflect motivated students who actively pursue graduate school or competitive positions in environmental science. If your child is committed to this field and willing to navigate a financially lean first year post-graduation, the career growth pattern here is genuinely encouraging—just ensure they have a plan for that initial period.