Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at University of Delaware

The University of Delaware is the only school in the state offering this specialized biology program, which limits local comparisons but shouldn't overshadow the meaningful national context: graduates here earn $3,800 more than the typical program nationwide, landing at the 75th percentile among similar programs. That advantage matters for a field often criticized for weak entry-level pay. Starting at $33,296 with $20,500 in debt creates a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio—below the concerning 1.0 threshold that signals repayment struggles.

However, fair warning: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it statistically shaky. A few high or low earners could significantly skew these figures. The relatively modest debt load is encouraging, especially compared to the national program median of $23,480, but that first-year salary still means tight budgets and slow debt payoff. Ecology careers often require graduate degrees for advancement, so consider whether this bachelor's serves as a stepping stone or terminal degree.

For students passionate about conservation, evolution, or ecological research, Delaware's program appears stronger than most alternatives. Just understand you're betting on a field where financial returns build slowly, and these specific numbers may not perfectly predict your child's outcome given the small graduate pool.