Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at University of California-Santa Barbara

UCSB's ecology program graduates start at just $29,258—below both the state median ($33,462) and trailing behind Cal State schools like San Marcos ($40,875) and Long Beach ($35,436). For a selective UC campus, that's a surprisingly weak showing, ranking only in the 40th percentile among California programs. However, the remarkable piece is what happens next: earnings jump 51% by year four to $44,113, outpacing most of those same Cal State programs.

The debt picture offers real relief here. At $12,500, UCSB graduates carry roughly half what's typical for this major in California ($18,834) and just over half the national median ($23,480). That 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can feasibly manage payments even during that lean first year, giving them runway to reach those stronger mid-career numbers.

The question for parents is whether a difficult first few years makes sense for your student. If they can handle entry-level nonprofit, research, or field work wages—possibly while living at home or in low-cost areas—the trajectory looks promising. But students needing immediate earning power should look at those Cal State programs where starting salaries are $6,000-$11,000 higher right out of the gate.