Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

A University of Michigan degree in evolutionary biology produces a troubling financial start. First-year graduates earn just $22,844—putting this program in the bottom 5% nationally and well below the state median of $23,846. That's particularly surprising given U-M's selectivity (18% admission rate, 1473 average SAT) and the strength of its life sciences reputation. Michigan State graduates in the same field start at $29,318, a 28% premium that's hard to ignore.

The 40% earnings jump to $31,865 by year four offers some relief, and the relatively modest debt load of $15,242 (half the national median) means graduates aren't buried in payments while their careers develop. Still, that four-year mark barely reaches the national first-year median, suggesting this path requires patience and probably graduate school to reach typical biologist earnings. Among Michigan's 13 programs in this field, ranking at the 40th percentile indicates middle-of-the-pack performance—respectable but not what you'd expect from a flagship university.

For families paying private school tuition rates, this represents a significant financial hurdle in the early career years. The low debt helps, but your child will likely need family support or additional education to reach financial independence quickly. If graduate school is part of the plan anyway, this becomes more defensible as a foundation. Otherwise, Michigan State delivers better immediate returns in the same field.