Compare 7 Ecology. programs in California. Average earnings: $40,425.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Ecology tells a different story. Across 7 programs, earnings range from $18,728 to $51,501—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's Ecology program leads with graduates earning $51,501, while the average across all programs is $40,425. The top performer isn't the most prestigious name—it's a Cal State campus that delivers outcomes 27% above average through program excellence.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Cal Poly Pomona graduates borrow $16,000 and face just a 7.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.31.
Highest program earnings: $51,501
Strong outcomes with 74% acceptance
7.6% payment burden | Excellent
15.8% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $51,501 | 28 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $45,596 | 31 | $14,289 | Good | $15,177 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $45,476 | 114 | $15,500 | Good | $24,257 | High | |
| #4 | $44,113 | 81 | $13,993 | Good | $26,465 | High | |
| #5 | $42,546 | 39 | $13,000 | Good | $25,733 | High | |
| #6 | $35,013 | 160 | $16,666 | Challenging | $28,682 | High | |
| #7 | $18,728 | 50 | $14,000 | High | $26,176 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
