Program Analysis
Graduates earn $26,801/yr, roughly in line with the $28,448 national median for Zoology/Animal Biology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.3x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Zoology/Animal Biology's typical career paths, with 46% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $25,000 represents roughly 11 months of the $26,801 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #31 of 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs, Michigan State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $49,355 show a 84% jump from the $26,801 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.