Zoology at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus

Waterbury, CT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Zoology/Animal Biology
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,618/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,200 openings/yr)
ROI 9.7x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

UConn's strong foundational science training, even at its Waterbury campus, significantly elevates outcomes for zoology graduates. Your success in this program likely stems from practical experiences available within Connecticut's varied ecosystems and proximity to numerous research facilities, environmental agencies, and zoos across the Northeast. This regional advantage facilitates crucial internships and networking, leading to diverse career paths beyond traditional field biology. You'll find graduates excelling in roles requiring advanced scientific understanding, project management, and educational outreach. While the field faces high AI risk, focusing on hands-on fieldwork, direct animal handling, and interdisciplinary skills like data interpretation or public communication will make you indispensable. Seek out every opportunity for experiential learning.

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 $696K $675K $600K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.0x 9.7x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.2x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 42 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$69,848
Out-of-state: $160,520 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$35,584
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,079
105% growth from Year 1

About University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus

University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 746 in Waterbury, CT. 50% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $35,584 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus →

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

Other Majors at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Zoology at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Zoology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Zoology at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?
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 University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus one of the best schools for Zoology?
Among 55 Zoology programs, University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus's #2 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 →