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

The modest starting salary of $29,767 wouldn't alarm me if this program didn't underperform Connecticut's other ecology programs—it sits in just the 40th percentile statewide, trailing UConn's various campuses by about $3,000 annually. While the debt load of $27,000 is quite reasonable (5th percentile nationally means lower than 95% of comparable programs), the combination of below-average Connecticut earnings and a near 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio creates financial headwinds in those crucial first years after graduation.

The silver lining here is genuine earnings growth—a 30% jump to $38,758 by year four suggests graduates do find their footing professionally, moving well past the national median. However, with a small sample size (under 30 graduates), these figures may not reliably predict your child's outcome. Biology-related fields often require graduate education for career advancement, which could explain both the modest bachelor's-level earnings and the growth trajectory, but would mean additional years of education costs.

For families prioritizing staying in Connecticut, this program's value proposition is questionable when UConn offers stronger earnings potential at similar debt levels. The low debt is admirable, but when even the year-four earnings trail what UConn graduates earn initially, you're looking at potentially sacrificing $12,000-$15,000 in cumulative early-career income—money that matters when building financial stability.