Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities biology program starts modest but builds momentum impressively. First-year graduates earn $33,682—about $4,200 above the national median for this field—but by year four, earnings jump 32% to $44,427. That trajectory matters in a field where many graduates pursue graduate degrees or build specialized expertise over time.

The $24,000 debt load sits right at national norms, translating to a manageable 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio. Among Minnesota's five ecology programs, this one ranks solidly middle-of-the-pack: it trails Bemidji State's first-year outcomes by about $2,000 but significantly outpaces Saint Cloud State. Nationally, the program places in the 78th percentile—strong performance for a biology degree from a school with a 77% admission rate.

For families concerned about biology's reputation as a tough financial bet, this program demonstrates how institutional resources can change the equation. The U of M's research infrastructure and Twin Cities job market appear to create opportunities that translate into above-average earnings. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes vary, but the overall pattern suggests graduates find pathways to career growth that many biology programs struggle to provide. If your child is serious about ecology and planning to stay in Minnesota or the Upper Midwest, this represents a reasonable investment with documented upside potential.