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Zoology/Animal Biology at Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
20
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,491/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,200 openings/yr)
ROI 8.3x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #41 of 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Zoology/Animal Biology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $443K $448K $429K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.2x 8.3x 7.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 20 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,976
Out-of-state: $142,656 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,272
-45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,596
10.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,871
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $27,491/yr, Zoology/Animal Biology graduates from Oregon State University land near the $28,448 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 8.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Zoology/Animal Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,596 against $27,491/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #41 ranking among 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs places Oregon State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 34% earnings increase from $27,491 to $36,871 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Oregon State University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Oregon State University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 29,557 in Corvallis, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Oregon State University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
Biological science teachers, postsecondary $83,460/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 55 schools offering Zoology/Animal Biology →

Zoology/Animal Biology at Other Schools

San Francisco State University ($41,565) University of California-Santa Barbara ($37,633) University of Connecticut ($35,618) University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus ($35,618) University of Connecticut-Avery Point ($35,618) University of Connecticut-Stamford ($35,618) University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus ($35,618) University of Maine ($35,130)

Other Majors at Oregon State University

Computer Science ($85,376) Construction Engineering ($80,936) Industrial Engineering ($78,425) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,636) Manufacturing Engineering ($72,154) Chemical Engineering ($71,618) Engineering, Other ($71,549) Civil Engineering ($70,635)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Zoology/Animal Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 20/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Zoology/Animal Biology at Oregon State University?
At 20/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Zoology/Animal Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Zoology/Animal Biology at Oregon State University?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →