2026 Best Value Zoology Schools
Looking for the best-value Zoology programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 119 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Zoology Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
West Texas A And M University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Zoology ranking in the United States. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,406 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. Set against $21,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about West Texas A And M University
A rank of #3 makes University Of North Dakota one of the best values in the United States. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $25,110 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State University Main Campus earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Zoology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
You'll get strong value at University Of Wyoming, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. University Of Wyoming Zoology students take on a median of $23,875 in debt. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Set against $23,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
Weber State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Typical Zoology student debt is $20,039. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,287 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,039 median debt. More on Weber State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Zoology students take on a median of $22,386 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Unity College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Based in New Gloucester, ME, Unity College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,640. Unity College Zoology students take on a median of $27,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Unity College
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $24,872 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $24,872 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Students borrow a median of $21,717 to complete their Zoology program here. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,844 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,906. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
Clemson University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Students borrow a median of $23,783 to complete their Zoology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Clemson University report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Students borrow a median of $23,375 to complete their Zoology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Set against $23,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Students borrow a median of $25,210 to complete their Zoology program here. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. The median Zoology program debt is $24,853. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Kansas State University profile
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $20,625 to complete their Zoology program here. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. University Of Arkansas Zoology students take on a median of $24,019 in debt. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Typical Zoology student debt is $21,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Arizona State University placed #20 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,842 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Colorado State University Fort Collins Zoology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
University Of California Davis offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete their Zoology program here. Median earnings reach $80,838 ten years out. Set against $14,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. See the full University Of California Davis profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Zoology students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Humboldt State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Arcata, CA, Humboldt State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,397, with out-of-state students paying around $20,997. Humboldt State University Zoology students take on a median of $20,690 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,626 ten years after entry. Set against $20,690 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Humboldt State University report
Washington State University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,875 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Washington State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Zoology Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Suny College At Oswego offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Oswego, NY, Suny College At Oswego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,825, compared with $18,735 for out-of-state students. The median Zoology program debt is $24,688. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,566. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny College At Oswego profile
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry placed #26 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public school based in Syracuse, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $9,303, with out-of-state students paying around $22,263. Median earnings reach $55,763 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 63%. More on Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Zoology students take on a median of $23,393 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Set against $23,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Iowa State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
Friends University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Wichita, KS, Friends University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,192. Friends University Zoology students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Friends University alumni report median earnings of $52,113 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Friends University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. The median Zoology program debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Cornell University placed #32 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Cornell University Zoology students take on a median of $15,005 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Delaware came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. University Of Delaware Zoology students take on a median of $24,861 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $24,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Utah State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete their Zoology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. More on Utah State University
Muskingum University placed #35 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. Located in New Concord, OH, Muskingum University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,701. Students borrow a median of $26,932 to complete their Zoology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,440. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Muskingum University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Muskingum University
Kent State University At Kent ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Zoology program debt is $17,500. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Berry College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mount Berry, GA, Berry College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,486. The median Zoology program debt is $24,569. Median earnings reach $53,800 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Berry College
Mississippi State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Mississippi State University is a public school based in Mississippi State, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,202, compared with $27,637 for out-of-state students. The median Zoology program debt is $23,969. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,513 ten years after entry. Set against $23,969 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mississippi State University
Oregon State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Corvallis, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Oregon State University alumni report median earnings of $64,010 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Oregon State University
Carroll University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,890. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Zoology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,009. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carroll University admits about 67% of applicants. Get the full Carroll University report
Liberty University placed #43 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. The median Zoology program debt is $24,393. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Set against $24,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Liberty University report
University Of Georgia landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on University Of Georgia
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. The median Zoology program debt is $20,836. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,800 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. Set against $24,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical Zoology student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Michigan State University
University Of Michigan Flint offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Flint, MI, University Of Michigan Flint is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,236, with out-of-state students paying around $27,790. University Of Michigan Flint Zoology students take on a median of $31,016 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,230. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on University Of Michigan Flint
University Of Idaho came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,084, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. Typical Zoology student debt is $23,844. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,670 ten years after entry. Set against $23,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about University Of Idaho
Bucknell University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lewisburg, PA. Students from in state pay about $67,812 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,951 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $93,807. That is a strong return on a $25,951 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bucknell University profile
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $15,501 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. Set against $15,501 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Santa Barbara
Best Value Zoology Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Zoology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Zoology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Zoology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Zoology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Zoology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Zoology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Zoology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 119 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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