Zoologyat University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Graduates earn $22,268/yr in their first year — about 22.0% below the national Zoology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $500K; scenarios range from $468K to $500K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of New Hampshire
The data presented reflects a notably challenging career path for zoology graduates from a program like UNH's. While passion for animal biology is strong, the labor market for entry-level roles is incredibly competitive, often leading to positions in animal care, field technician work, or environmental education that don't command high salaries. The higher-earning careers listed, such as those in management or advanced scientific research, nearly always require a master's or Ph.D., along with years of specialized experience and networking. The New England region, while offering some environmental opportunities, lacks the extensive wildlife agencies or major research institutions to absorb a large number of bachelor's graduates in this niche field.
If this is your passion, you must be proactive. Prepare to pursue extensive internships, volunteer experiences, and strongly consider combining your zoology studies with a more in-demand skill set like data analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), or even a pre-veterinary track to broaden your options and improve your earning potential post-graduation.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of New Hampshire's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Zoology
How University of New Hampshire stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of New Hampshire
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of New Hampshire, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Zoology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Zoology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Zoology at University of New Hampshire
What does a 17/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Zoology at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus?
At 17/100, 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 University of New Hampshire-Main Campus?
At $23,250 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 University of New Hampshire-Main 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 New Hampshire-Main Campus a good choice for Zoology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of New Hampshire-Main Campus's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.