Zoology at Texas State University
San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Zoology/Animal Biology
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings
$22,264/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk
High (46% exposed)
Job Market
Medium (29,200 openings/yr)
ROI
11.8x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Zoology graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $548K | $542K | $500K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.0x | 11.8x | 10.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.9x | 5.8x | 5.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 44% | 33% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 24 | 24 | 23 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,800
Out-of-state: $92,840 (5.8x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
13.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,662
114% growth from Year 1
About Texas State University
With 89% of applicants admitted, Texas State University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 34,547 in San Marcos, TX.
See all programs and financial aid at Texas 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
Compare & Explore
Zoology at Other Schools
Other Majors at Texas State University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Zoology at Texas State University?
At 24/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Zoology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Zoology degree from Texas State University?
At $25,000 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Zoology at Texas 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 Texas State University a good choice for Zoology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Texas State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →