Best Colleges for Zoology/Animal Biology

Choosing the right Zoology/Animal Biology program can significantly impact your career prospects in wildlife research, conservation, or veterinary sciences. With 46 schools offering this major nationwide, graduates typically earn around $24,989 annually in entry-level positions, though earnings increase substantially with advanced degrees and specialized experience.

When evaluating programs, prioritize schools with strong field research opportunities, modern laboratory facilities, and partnerships with zoos, wildlife refuges, or research institutions. Look for faculty actively publishing research in your areas of interest, access to diverse ecosystems for fieldwork, and internship programs that provide hands-on experience. Consider whether the program offers specialization tracks in marine biology, conservation, or animal behavior to align with your career goals.

Schools Ranked

$27,968

Avg. Program Earnings

64.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Median Earnings	Graduation Rate	School Type
1	San Francisco State University San Francisco, California	$33,077	50.1%	public
2	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$31,839	69.6%	private-nonprofit
3	University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford, Connecticut	$30,771	65.4%	public
4	University of Connecticut Storrs, Connecticut	$30,771	83.8%	public
5	University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford, Connecticut	$30,771	56.9%	public
6	University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton, Connecticut	$30,771	56.7%	public
7	University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury, Connecticut	$30,771	59.5%	public
8	Utah State University Logan, Utah	$30,771	57.3%	public
9	Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, Texas	$29,685	83.8%	public
10	University of Wyoming Laramie, Wyoming	$28,870	59.8%	public
11	North Dakota State University-Main Campus Fargo, North Dakota	$28,816	63.7%	public
12	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$28,381	89.3%	public
13	Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, Ohio	$28,348	66.4%	public
14	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$26,850	61.6%	public
15	Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, Colorado	$26,694	66.9%	public
16	Weber State University Ogden, Utah	$26,585	43.0%	public
17	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, Ohio	$26,022	87.7%	public
18	University of New England Biddeford, Maine	$25,194	60.8%	private-nonprofit
19	Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan	$25,194	82.2%	public
20	University of Michigan-Flint Flint, Michigan	$25,194	44.6%	public
21	University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Durham, New Hampshire	$25,194	76.4%	public
22	Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater, Oklahoma	$25,194	65.9%	public
23	Unity Environmental University New Gloucester, Maine	$24,863	57.0%	private-nonprofit
24	Northern Michigan University Marquette, Michigan	$24,532	50.8%	public
25	State University of New York at Oswego Oswego, New York	$24,035	60.4%	public