Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology at Western Washington University

Western Washington University's ecology and evolution program outperforms most similar programs nationally, landing at the 75th percentile for first-year earnings—though within Washington state, it ranks closer to the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile. At $33,323, graduates earn about $13,000 more than the national median for this degree but only $3,000 above Washington's state median. Notably, they also graduate with higher debt than typical Washington peers ($23,040 vs. $19,856 state median), which partially offsets the earnings advantage.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 is manageable—graduates would need about eight months of pre-tax earnings to cover their loans. This compares favorably to many biology-related programs where debt can exceed annual earnings. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year, so they're best viewed as an indicator rather than a guarantee.

For families weighing this program, the key question is whether the Bellingham location and WWU's specific strengths justify the higher debt compared to other Washington options. The earnings are competitive, but not exceptional enough to make this a clear standout in the state. If your student is committed to this field, it's a solid choice—just understand that ecology degrees typically lead to modest starting salaries regardless of where you study, and career growth often requires graduate work.