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Zoology/Animal Biology at Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
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)
Ranked #33 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 $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)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,752
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
13.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,662
114% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $22,264 per year, Zoology/Animal Biology graduates from Texas State University earn below the $28,448 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 11.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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 a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #33 ranking among 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs places Texas State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $22,264-to-$47,662 earnings arc over five years reflects a 114% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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
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 Texas State University

Construction Engineering Technologies ($76,646) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($72,990) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($72,861) Computer Science ($70,906) Manufacturing Engineering ($68,886) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($67,965) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($67,589) Industrial Engineering ($61,718)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Zoology/Animal Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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/Animal Biology at Texas State University?
At 24/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Zoology/Animal Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Zoology/Animal Biology 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/Animal Biology 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/Animal Biology 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 →