Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Before investing in UW-Seattle's ecology and evolution program, understand that the small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes these numbers uncertain—but what we can see raises questions. First-year earnings of $27,100 fall below both Washington's state median ($30,212) and the national average ($29,460) for this degree. Western Washington University's graduates in this field earn $33,323, suggesting program design and institutional support matter significantly within the same state system.

The debt picture offers some relief: $16,672 is manageable and well below typical borrowing for biology programs. The 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off loans within eight months of full-time earnings, though that rarely reflects real-world budgets. Still, this keeps the downside risk relatively contained compared to programs where students graduate owing $30,000 or more.

Here's what matters most: this is a research-focused degree from a respected university, but it's designed as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. If your child plans on graduate school in ecology, conservation, or evolutionary biology, UW's research opportunities justify the initial earnings dip. If they're hoping to work immediately after graduation, the numbers suggest they'll need either geographic flexibility or a clear plan to supplement the degree with technical skills that command higher wages.