Zoology at University of Vermont

Burlington, VT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Zoology/Animal Biology
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
16
Optimistic
16
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,321/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,200 openings/yr)
ROI 6.2x earnings multiple (2.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #50 of 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs

Program Analysis

The financial outcomes for UVM's Zoology/Animal Biology graduates reflect the inherent challenges and unique labor market dynamics of this specialized field, particularly in a region like Vermont. Early career roles in conservation, wildlife management, and environmental education are often incredibly competitive, heavily reliant on grant funding, and typically housed within government agencies (like state fish and wildlife departments) or non-profit organizations. While profoundly rewarding, these positions rarely offer high starting salaries. You'll likely find yourself engaged in fieldwork, lab research, or educational outreach, often requiring significant hands-on experience or even volunteer work to break in. Many successful careers in this area necessitate an advanced degree for higher-level positions and increased earning potential. If your passion lies here, be prepared to strategically pursue internships, networking, and potentially graduate studies to truly carve out a sustainable path.

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 $464K $467K $443K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.1x 6.2x 5.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.6x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 16 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$75,560
Out-of-state: $175,560 (2.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$83,440
-10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250
12.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,794
69% growth from Year 1

About University of Vermont

A 60% admission rate makes University of Vermont accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 11,614 students in Burlington, VT.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Vermont →

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Zoology at University of Vermont?
A score of 16/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Zoology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Zoology careers?
With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $442,919 in decade earnings vs $463,726 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Zoology from University of Vermont?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →