Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at St Lawrence University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
At $17,443 in first-year earnings, St Lawrence's biology program produces outcomes that trail every other ecology program in New York—even SUNY Plattsburgh graduates earn 36% more. While the $26,500 debt load sits close to state norms, earning barely above minimum wage with that debt burden creates immediate financial stress. This ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally among ecology programs, suggesting something specific to St Lawrence's placement outcomes or graduate school pathways isn't translating to early earnings.
The small sample size here matters significantly—with under 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could reflect a cohort where most students pursued graduate school or took gap-year positions rather than career-track jobs. Biology graduates often follow non-linear paths, and first-year data can miss students who enter medical school, PhD programs, or extended research positions before higher-earning careers begin.
That said, even accounting for uncertainty, the gap between St Lawrence and comparable schools is too wide to ignore. If your child is considering this program, you need clear answers about where recent graduates have landed and what percentage continued directly to employment versus further education. Without evidence of strong graduate school placement or a clear path to better outcomes in years two and beyond, this represents a risky investment at $26,500 in debt.
Where St Lawrence University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all ecology, evolution, systematics, and population biology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How St Lawrence University graduates compare to all programs nationally
St Lawrence University graduates earn $17k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all ecology, evolution, systematics, and population biology bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Lawrence University | $17,443 | — | $26,500 | 1.52 |
| New York University | $41,024 | $63,003 | $25,000 | 0.61 |
| Siena College | $37,789 | — | $27,000 | 0.71 |
| State University of New York at Plattsburgh | $23,682 | $40,039 | — | — |
| Stony Brook University | $22,725 | $38,257 | $20,500 | 0.90 |
| National Median | $29,460 | — | $23,480 | 0.80 |
Other Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York University New York | $60,438 | $41,024 | $25,000 |
| Siena College Loudonville | $44,405 | $37,789 | $27,000 |
| State University of New York at Plattsburgh Plattsburgh | $8,881 | $23,682 | — |
| Stony Brook University Stony Brook | $10,560 | $22,725 | $20,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At St Lawrence University, approximately 21% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.