Zoology at University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Zoology/Animal Biology
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,633/yr (32% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,200 openings/yr)
ROI 8.8x earnings multiple (2.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #16 of 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

The strong earning potential for UCSB Zoology/Animal Biology graduates stems significantly from the university's rigorous scientific training and its unparalleled coastal location. Being situated amidst rich marine and terrestrial ecosystems provides unique research and fieldwork opportunities with institutions like the Marine Science Institute, local conservation organizations, and government agencies. This hands-on experience, often leading to publications or valuable professional connections, makes graduates highly competitive for roles in environmental consulting, wildlife management, or even entry-level positions in adjacent scientific fields that value strong analytical skills. You'll find employers across various sectors, from research labs to biotech support, recognizing the depth of practical knowledge gained here. To maximize your prospects, actively seek out and participate in research projects and internships from your first year.

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 $530K $527K $488K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.9x 8.8x 8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.9x 2.9x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,860
Out-of-state: $182,968 (2.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,300
8% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,012
41% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Santa Barbara

A 28% acceptance rate puts University of California-Santa Barbara in competitive admissions territory, serving a student body of 23,205 in Santa Barbara, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Barbara →

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

Zoology at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of California-Santa Barbara's Zoology program score?
This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for Zoology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Zoology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Zoology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 46% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →