Find Affordable College Courses

What Do You Want to Study?

2026 Best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology Master's Degree Schools

2026 Best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology Master’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 362 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.

To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

Here are the top-ranked schools:

#1

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

No school ranked higher than University Of Pennsylvania this year in the United States. 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%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $16,155. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile

#2

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Out of the 362 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Princeton University landed the #2 spot. Princeton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Princeton, NJ. Roughly 98% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,688. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $10,888. Get the full Princeton University report

#3

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

The strong Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology programs at Harvard University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Harvard University Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. Read the full report on Harvard University

#4

Brown University

Providence, RI

You'll be in good company at Brown University, which ranked #4 this year. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. Brown University graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stanford University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Read more about Stanford University

University Of California Berkeley came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. University Of California Berkeley posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,238 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. More on University Of California Berkeley

Arizona State University landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Arizona State University graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Read more about Arizona State University

#8

Hood College

Frederick, MD

Hood College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,700. Hood College Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $24,703 in debt. Get the full Hood College report

The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston placed #9 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Set in Houston, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,748, compared with $43,132 for out-of-state students. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $21,988. See the full The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston profile

#10

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University did well this year, earning the #10 position. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Yale University posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $14,357. Get the full Yale University report

#11

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Michigan State University Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Get the full Michigan State University report

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #12 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $15,117 in debt. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile

#13

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University placed #13 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report

#14

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa came in at #14 in this year's ranking. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. Get the full University Of Iowa report

#15

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas placed #15 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $23,608. See the full University Of Kansas profile

Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #16 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,517. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $23,258. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report

#17

College Of William And Mary

Williamsburg, VA

College Of William And Mary did well this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. College Of William And Mary posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees average $25,734, compared with $51,038 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,935 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Get the full College Of William And Mary report

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Seattle Campus graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $16,672 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#19

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. Based in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $67,080. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $21,517. Read the full report on University Of Rochester

#20

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Set in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. Graduates carry a median of $19,431 in student loans. More on Emory University

University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. University Of Massachusetts Amherst posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile

#22

Suny College At Brockport

Brockport, NY

Suny College At Brockport came in at #22 in this year's ranking. Based in Brockport, NY, Suny College At Brockport is a public institution. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $8,752, with out-of-state students paying around $15,822. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $24,757. Read more about Suny College At Brockport

North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $25,153. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus

University Of Colorado Denver placed #24 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. University Of Colorado Denver graduates 46% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,383, with out-of-state students paying around $29,391. 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

#25

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $26,259. See the full Temple University profile

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

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

#26

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Located in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Read the full report on Boston University

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #27 in this year's ranking. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus report

Ohio State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $22,053. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus

#29

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University came in at #29 in this year's ranking. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Duke University Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $13,296 in debt. See the full Duke University profile

#30

Tufts University

Medford, MA

Tufts University landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Based in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $70,704. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $17,074. See the full Tufts University profile

#31

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgetown University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,089. Georgetown University Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $16,483 in debt. Get the full Georgetown University report

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #32 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#33

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. More on George Washington University

University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #34 in this year's ranking. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $12,500. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile

University Of California Davis came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. University Of California Davis Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $19,951 in debt. Read the full report on University Of California Davis

Michigan Technological University did well this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Students borrow a median of $25,800 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. More on Michigan Technological University

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor did well this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $15,242. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

University Of Colorado Boulder came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Set in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. University Of Colorado Boulder posts a six-year graduation rate of 74%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $23,331. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report

University Of Nevada Reno ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools. This public school is set in Reno, NV. University Of Nevada Reno posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Graduates carry a median of $19,918 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Reno

#40

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago came in at #40 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. More on University Of Chicago

Texas A And M University College Station ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Texas A And M University College Station posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $23,461. More on Texas A And M University College Station

University Of California Los Angeles did well this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $17,417. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report

Oklahoma State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. Oklahoma State University Main Campus graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report

Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #45 among Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools in the United States. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. Students from in state pay about $13,373 in tuition and fees, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Get the full Colorado State University Fort Collins report

Brigham Young University Provo did well this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology students take on a median of $10,459 in debt. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report

Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology schools. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,760. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $26,586. See the full Saint Louis University Main Campus profile

#48

Utah State University

Logan, UT

Utah State University landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $16,191. Get the full Utah State University report

#49

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete their Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program here. Read the full report on Montclair State University

Iowa State University did well this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology student debt is $24,347. More on Iowa State University

#51

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #51 in this year's ranking. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. University Of Florida posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. The median Ecology Evolution Systematics Population Biology program debt is $17,669. More on University Of Florida

Compare rankings at other degree levels:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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.