Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at University of New England

The small sample size here demands caution, but the available numbers suggest University of New England's ecology program delivers roughly what you'd expect—neither a standout nor a disaster. First-year earnings of $29,871 land right at the Maine median and just above the national benchmark, with the program ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. The $27,000 debt load sits exactly at Maine's median, though it's higher than typical nationally.

What's encouraging is the 31% earnings growth to $39,196 by year four, bringing graduates well above both state and national medians for the program. The debt-to-earnings ratio starts manageable at 0.90 and improves as incomes rise. For a field not known for high starting salaries, this trajectory matters more than the initial number.

The real question is career goals. If your child is passionate about ecology and planning graduate school (common in this field), this bachelor's degree provides adequate preparation without crushing debt. If they're hoping to work immediately after graduation with just a bachelor's degree, understand that $30,000 starting salaries are standard across this major nationwide—it's not a University of New England issue. The earnings bump by year four suggests graduates find their footing, but these aren't lucrative early-career years regardless of where you study ecology.