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

UConn-Waterbury's ecology and evolution program outperforms the national median by about $3,400 in first-year earnings—placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally—while keeping debt remarkably low. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 and debt in just the 14th percentile, graduates leave with $26,798 in loans, manageable given that earnings climb 17% to $38,352 by year four. For context, this same debt load would be more burdensome at most other biology programs where starting salaries are lower.

Within Connecticut, this program sits at the state median for both earnings and debt, performing identically to other UConn campuses. However, this reflects Connecticut's relatively strong showing in this field rather than weakness in the program—the state's median already exceeds the national median. That said, $32,882 remains modest in absolute terms, particularly in a high cost-of-living state like Connecticut. The 50% Pell Grant rate suggests many students here are balancing financial aid against career earnings potential, making that moderate debt level a critical consideration.

The math works better than at most ecology programs nationwide, but families should ensure their student has a clear plan for applying this degree—whether through graduate school, environmental consulting, or public sector work where the combination of reasonable debt and steady earnings growth creates a viable foundation.