Best colleges for Ecology
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Ecology by graduate earnings are Princeton University ($53,038), New York University ($41,024) and Rutgers University - New Brunswick ($39,491), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Princeton University (Princeton, NJ): $53,038, 38 graduates a year
- New York University (New York, NY): $41,024, 60 graduates a year
- Rutgers University - New Brunswick (New Brunswick, NJ): $39,491, 22 graduates a year
- University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, CO): $37,184, 190 graduates a year
- University of Maryland-College Park (College Park, MD): $36,375, 78 graduates a year
Compare 317 U.S. colleges offering Ecology by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 52 states.
Ecology programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $28,856 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 26.13 and the Biological Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Ecology programs
The Ecology program, formally known as Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology, is a comprehensive study within the Biological and Biomedical Sciences field. This program is designed for students interested in understanding the intricate relationships between organisms and their environments, including the impact of human activities on ecological systems. It encompasses various specializations, such as Marine Biology, Conservation Biology, and Environmental Biology, making it suitable for those passionate about environmental stewardship and biodiversity.
Students in the Ecology program will acquire essential skills in research methodologies, data analysis, and technical support within scientific fields. Core knowledge areas include biology, chemistry, mathematics, and the use of technology in ecological studies, preparing graduates for diverse roles in environmental science and research.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Princeton University Princeton, NJ Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $53,038 | 38 | 98% | $13,729 | — |
| 2 | New York University New York, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,024 | 60 | 88% | $29,023 | $25,000 |
| 3 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,491 | 22 | 84% | — | $27,000 |
| 4 | University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,184 | 190 | 74% | — | $23,331 |
| 5 | University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,375 | 78 | 89% | — | $19,635 |
| 6 | East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $35,762 | 20 | 43% | — | $18,783 |
| 7 | California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $35,436 | 67 | 69% | — | $19,948 |
| 8 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $35,322 | 106 | 67% | — | $19,500 |
| 9 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN Public · Bachelor's degree | $33,682 | 89 | 85% | — | $24,000 |
| 10 | University of Delaware Newark, DE Public · Bachelor's degree | $33,296 | 65 | 81% | — | $20,500 |
| 11 | University of Connecticut Storrs, CT Public · Bachelor's degree | $32,882 | 70 | 83% | — | $26,798 |
| 12 | University of California-Davis Davis, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $32,161 | 103 | 86% | — | $19,951 |
| 13 | Harvard University Cambridge, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $31,999 | 229 | 98% | $15,013 | — |
| 14 | Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,923 | 85 | 68% | — | $25,000 |
| 15 | Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $31,114 | 55 | 63% | $31,672 | $23,549 |
| 16 | University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,088 | 216 | 86% | — | $18,834 |
| 17 | University of New England Biddeford, ME Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $29,871 | 46 | 68% | $34,673 | $27,000 |
| 18 | Iowa State University Ames, IA Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,842 | 84 | 75% | — | $24,347 |
| 19 | University of New Haven West Haven, CT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $29,767 | 26 | 63% | $32,614 | $27,000 |
| 20 | The University of Tampa Tampa, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $29,603 | 60 | 64% | $33,070 | $26,705 |
| 21 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,318 | 56 | 81% | — | $26,500 |
| 22 | Stockton University Galloway, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,289 | 38 | 69% | — | $27,000 |
| 23 | University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $29,258 | 101 | 83% | — | $12,500 |
| 24 | Roger Williams University Bristol, RI Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $29,074 | 42 | 69% | $34,648 | $27,000 |
| 25 | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $28,856 | 55 | 90% | — | $19,500 |
Specializations within Ecology
12 of the 12 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 26.13 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- EpidemiologyCIP 26.13093,001 graduates / yr102 institutions43 states
- Marine Biology and Biological OceanographyCIP 26.13022,636 graduates / yr84 institutions29 states
- EcologyCIP 26.13011,166 graduates / yr67 institutions31 states
- Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyCIP 26.1310879 graduates / yr42 institutions23 states
- Environmental BiologyCIP 26.1305481 graduates / yr51 institutions28 states
- Conservation BiologyCIP 26.1307405 graduates / yr37 institutions20 states
- EcologyCIP 26.1399344 graduates / yr17 institutions12 states
- Epidemiology and BiostatisticsCIP 26.1311New in CIP 2020248 graduates / yr19 institutions14 states
- Evolutionary BiologyCIP 26.1303192 graduates / yr14 institutions7 states
- Aquatic Biology/CIP 26.1304
Limnology partial data126 graduates / yr9 institutions9 states - Systematic Biology/CIP 26.1308
Biological Systematics limited data24 graduates / yr2 institutions2 states - Population BiologyCIP 26.1306partial data10 graduates / yr3 institutions3 states
Offered across 52 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4021, Biological Technicians, and its national outlook.
The job outlook for graduates in Ecology is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 3.5% and approximately 9,100 annual openings. Most positions require a Bachelor's degree, and the median wage for ecology-related careers is around $52,000, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this field.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Ecology
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 26.13.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 26.13 (Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology) maps to 13 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers |
| 15-2041 | Statisticians |
| 19-1023 | Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists |
| 19-1029 | Biological Scientists, All Other |
| 19-1031 | Conservation Scientists |
| 19-1041 | Epidemiologists |
| 19-1042 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists |
| 19-1099 | Life Scientists, All Other |
| 19-4021 | Biological Techniciansprimary |
| 25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1043 | Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1053 | Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Ecology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Conduct research, or assist in the conduct of research, including the collection of information and samples, such as blood, water, soil, plants and animals.
- Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
- Monitor and observe experiments, recording production and test data for evaluation by research personnel.
- Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings.
- Provide technical support and services for scientists and engineers working in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, resource management, biology, and health sciences.
- Keep detailed logs of all work-related activities.
Common questions
What can I do with a degree in Ecology?+
Graduates can pursue careers in research, environmental consulting, conservation, and education.
What specializations are available in the Ecology program?+
Specializations include Marine Biology, Population Biology, Conservation Biology, and more.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, research techniques, and effective communication.
Is a Bachelor's degree sufficient for a career in Ecology?+
Yes, a Bachelor's degree is typically the minimum requirement for entry-level positions in this field.
How much do Ecology graduates earn?+
Ecology graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $28,856, College Scorecard (2019); the Biological Technicians occupation pays about $61,380 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Ecology?+
Ecology maps to CIP 26.13 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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