Zoologyat University of Vermont
Graduates earn $22,321/yr in their first year — about 22.0% below the national Zoology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $467K; scenarios range from $443K to $464K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Vermont
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.
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 Vermont'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 Vermont stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Vermont
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Vermont, 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 Vermont
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.