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Zoology/Animal Biology at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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/Animal Biology 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

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $23,888/yr fall 16% below the $28,448 national median for Zoology/Animal Biology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 12.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Zoology/Animal Biology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,250 against $23,888/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #29 ranking among 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs places University of Wisconsin-Madison in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $23,888-to-$49,352 earnings arc over five years reflects a 107% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

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/Animal Biology →

Zoology/Animal Biology 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 Maine ($35,130)

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/Animal Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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/Animal Biology at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Zoology/Animal Biology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Zoology/Animal Biology 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/Animal Biology 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 →