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Zoology at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Zoology/Animal Biology
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,888/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,200 openings/yr)
ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #29 of 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs

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 $553K $547K $503K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.3x 12.2x 11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,712
-51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
11.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,352
107% growth from Year 1

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

With a 43% acceptance rate, University of Wisconsin-Madison is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 35,665 students in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →

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

Compare this program → View all 55 schools offering Zoology →

Zoology at Other Schools

San Francisco State University ($41,565) University of California-Santa Barbara ($37,633) University of Connecticut ($35,618) University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus ($35,618) University of Connecticut-Avery Point ($35,618) University of Connecticut-Stamford ($35,618) University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus ($35,618) University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus ($30,931)

Other Majors at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Chemical Engineering ($85,945) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($83,260) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,018) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($80,566) Industrial Engineering ($80,435) Insurance ($78,796) Materials Engineering ($76,662) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,513)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Zoology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →

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 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Zoology at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
At 26/100, 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 Wisconsin-Madison?
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 Wisconsin-Madison a good choice for Zoology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Wisconsin-Madison's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →