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Zoology/Animal Biology at San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,565/yr (46% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,200 openings/yr)
ROI 18.8x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs Top 5%

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 $567K $560K $513K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.1x 18.8x 17.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.3x 7.2x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 51 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,696
Out-of-state: $77,216 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,528
-74% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,685
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

San Francisco State University Zoology/Animal Biology graduates command $41,565/yr out of the gate, well above the $28,448 national median. That 46% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 18.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Zoology/Animal Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $11,000 in median debt clears quickly against $41,565 in annual earnings.

San Francisco State University ranks #1 among 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 44% earnings increase from $41,565 to $59,685 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About San Francisco State University

A 96% acceptance rate means San Francisco State University is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 20,033 in San Francisco, CA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at San Francisco 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

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) Berry College ($33,258)

Other Majors at San Francisco State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($117,532) Mechanical Engineering ($72,647) Civil Engineering ($68,256) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($67,345) Finance and Financial Management Services ($62,778) Accounting and Related Services ($60,607) International Business ($58,560) Microbiological Sciences and Immunology ($56,071)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Zoology/Animal Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Zoology/Animal Biology at San Francisco State University?
At 51/100, San Francisco State University's Zoology/Animal Biology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Zoology/Animal Biology at San Francisco 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.
Is San Francisco State University one of the best schools for Zoology/Animal Biology?
Among 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs, San Francisco State University's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →