Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at University of Connecticut-Stamford

UConn Stamford's ecology program outperforms most similar programs nationwide while keeping debt manageable—a notable achievement for a field that typically starts with modest earnings. At $32,882 in first-year earnings, graduates earn more than 72% of ecology programs nationally and match Connecticut's state median. The $26,798 median debt sits in the 14th percentile nationally, meaning very few programs burden students with less debt.

The 17% earnings growth to $38,352 by year four suggests real career progression, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 means graduates need less than a year's salary to cover their loans—a reasonable threshold. This combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt distinguishes UConn Stamford within a field where many programs struggle to deliver strong early returns. The school's 50% Pell grant enrollment indicates it's serving students from diverse economic backgrounds without compromising outcomes.

For families considering this path, understand that ecology careers rarely lead to high salaries, regardless of where you study. But if your student is committed to this field, UConn Stamford delivers competitive preparation without the crushing debt loads some competitors impose. The moderate sample size suggests consistent results, though it's worth confirming current program stability directly with the school.