Find Affordable College Courses

What Do You Want to Study?

2026 Best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology Doctoral Degree Schools

2026 Best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology Doctoral Degree Schools

Looking for the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 362 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.

To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.

Top 25 Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

Here are the top-ranked schools:

#1

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University tops our 2026 ranking of the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology doctoral degree schools in the United States. Located in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Princeton University graduates 98% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $62,688 in tuition and fees. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $10,888. Read more about Princeton University

#2

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Out of the 362 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Harvard University landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. Roughly 98% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Harvard University Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Read more about Harvard University

#3

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

You'll be in good company at University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile

#4

Brown University

Providence, RI

Out of the 362 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Brown University landed the #4 spot. Based in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $13,025. Read the full report on Brown University

#5

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Out of the 362 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Stanford University landed the #5 spot. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Get the full Stanford University report

#6

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH

Dartmouth College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools. Located in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $68,019 in tuition and fees. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $16,989. More on Dartmouth College

#7

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Vanderbilt University Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $13,975 in debt. Read the full report on Vanderbilt University

University Of California Berkeley came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $14,238 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #9 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill graduates 91% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#10

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. About 95% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $15,005. Get the full Cornell University report

#11

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $14,357. Get the full Yale University report

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #12 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $15,242 in debt. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile

#13

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University did well this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 97% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $13,296. More on Duke University

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $21,275 in debt. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile

#15

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas did well this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $23,608. See the full University Of Kansas profile

#16

College Of William And Mary

Williamsburg, VA

College Of William And Mary landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Located in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $25,734, while out-of-state students pay about $51,038. Graduates carry a median of $18,935 in student loans. Get the full College Of William And Mary report

University Of Maryland College Park placed #17 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $19,635 in student loans. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park

#18

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa placed #18 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $24,463. Get the full University Of Iowa report

#19

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester placed #19 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Located in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Rochester graduates 85% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,080. Students borrow a median of $21,517 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Get the full University Of Rochester report

#20

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago did well this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Chicago graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,324 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. More on University Of Chicago

The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools. Located in Houston, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,748, while out-of-state students pay about $43,132. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $21,988. Get the full The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston report

North Dakota State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates 64% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $25,153. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus

Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,517. Columbia University In The City Of New York Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $23,258 in debt. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York

#24

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University placed #24 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $16,417. Read the full report on San Diego State University

University Of Colorado Denver landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. University Of Colorado Denver is a public school based in Denver, CO. Roughly 46% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $10,383 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. University Of Colorado Denver Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $26,582 in debt. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile

Rest of the Top 50 Best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:

Washington University In St Louis ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in St. Louis, MO. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. Read more about Washington University In St Louis

#27

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University placed #27 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Students borrow a median of $13,426 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. See the full Johns Hopkins University profile

University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $12,500. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #29 in this year's ranking. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile

University Of Southern California landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. Students borrow a median of $15,625 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Get the full University Of Southern California report

University Of California Los Angeles ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. University Of California Los Angeles posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $17,417. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus did well this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

University Of California Davis placed #33 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $19,951 in student loans. See the full University Of California Davis profile

University Of Nevada Reno landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Located in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. University Of Nevada Reno graduates 61% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. University Of Nevada Reno Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $19,918 in debt. More on University Of Nevada Reno

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Students borrow a median of $23,146 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #36 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $23,138 in debt. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

University Of Wisconsin Madison did well this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. About 90% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#38

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming did well this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. University Of Wyoming posts a six-year graduation rate of 59%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Students borrow a median of $20,283 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Get the full University Of Wyoming report

University Of Massachusetts Amherst did well this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. University Of Massachusetts Amherst posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $25,234. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Amherst

University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Based in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $23,331. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile

#41

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,280. Students borrow a median of $19,431 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. More on Emory University

Iowa State University came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $24,347. Read more about Iowa State University

Ohio State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Ohio State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $22,053. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile

#44

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $20,542. More on Indiana University Bloomington

Arizona State University did well this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $21,842. See the full Arizona State University profile

#46

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,102. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. More on Boston University

#47

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University did well this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Read more about George Washington University

University Of Washington Seattle Campus did well this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. University Of Washington Seattle Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $16,672. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report

#49

The University Of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN

The University Of Tennessee landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. The University Of Tennessee posts a six-year graduation rate of 74%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. The University Of Tennessee Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $22,859 in debt. Get the full The University Of Tennessee report

Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #50 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $25,000. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Compare rankings at other degree levels:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 362 ranked schools only.

References

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.