2026 Best Value Zoology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Zoology bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 119 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Zoology program here. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
You'll get strong value at West Texas A And M University, which ranked #2 this year. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Typical Zoology student debt is $21,406. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $21,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
A rank of #3 makes University Of North Dakota one of the best values in the United States. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Zoology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Dakota
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wyoming earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,875 to complete their Zoology program here. 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%. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
A rank of #5 makes Weber State University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Students borrow a median of $20,039 to complete their Zoology program here. Median earnings reach $56,287 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Weber State University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Carbondale, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Zoology students take on a median of $21,717 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,390 ten years out. Set against $21,717 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
Unity College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Gloucester, ME, Unity College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,640. Typical Zoology student debt is $27,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Unity College profile
Purdue University Main Campus placed #8 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Zoology program debt is $19,844. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus
Texas State University San Marcos placed #9 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. The median Zoology program debt is $25,033. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Students borrow a median of $23,375 to complete their Zoology program here. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Set against $23,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. 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. The median Zoology program debt is $25,210. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $25,210 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Kansas State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Located in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Typical Zoology student debt is $24,853. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $24,853 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kansas State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Zoology program debt is $22,386. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $24,872 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Set against $24,872 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
University Of Florida placed #15 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Zoology students take on a median of $20,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $20,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Florida
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #16 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $21,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $21,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Colorado State University Fort Collins offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. The median Zoology program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Humboldt State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Arcata, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,397, compared with $20,997 for out-of-state students. The median Zoology program debt is $20,690. Humboldt State University alumni report median earnings of $47,626 a decade after entry. Set against $20,690 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Humboldt State University admits about 98% of applicants. See the full Humboldt State University profile
Washington State University placed #19 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $17,875 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on Washington State University
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Syracuse, NY, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,303, with out-of-state students paying around $22,263. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,763. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry
Suny College At Oswego placed #20 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. Set in Oswego, NY, Suny College At Oswego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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
Friends University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Set in Wichita, KS, Friends University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,192. Typical Zoology student debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,113. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Friends University report
Muskingum University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Located in New Concord, OH, Muskingum University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,701. Typical Zoology student debt is $26,932. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,440. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Muskingum University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Kent State University At Kent ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Kent State University At Kent Zoology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. 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 more about Kent State University At Kent
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Zoology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of California Davis ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. This public school is set in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Typical Zoology student debt is $14,404. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,838 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on University Of California Davis
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical Zoology student debt is $21,577. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Berry College placed #28 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mount Berry, GA. Students from in state pay about $41,486 in tuition and fees. The median Zoology program debt is $24,569. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,800 ten years after entry. Set against $24,569 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Berry College has an acceptance rate of 64%. More on Berry College
Oregon State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Based in Corvallis, OR, Oregon State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. The median Zoology program debt is $25,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,010. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about Oregon State University
Carroll University placed #31 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waukesha, WI. Students from in state pay about $38,890 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Zoology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,009 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Carroll University profile
Liberty University placed #32 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. The median Zoology program debt is $24,393. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,393 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Liberty University profile
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Station, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. The median Zoology program debt is $17,500. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. The median Zoology program debt is $24,800. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,409. That is a strong return on a $24,800 median debt. Ohio State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Michigan Flint landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Flint, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,230. That is a strong return on a $31,016 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Flint
Michigan State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. The median Zoology program debt is $27,000. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full Michigan State University report
Bucknell University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Bucknell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lewisburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,812. Students borrow a median of $25,951 to complete their Zoology program here. Bucknell University alumni report median earnings of $93,807 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bucknell University admits about 29% of applicants. More on Bucknell University
University Of Georgia came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Zoology student debt is $21,792. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. More on University Of Georgia
University Of California Santa Barbara came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Santa Barbara, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical Zoology student debt is $15,501. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Santa Barbara
Frostburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Frostburg, MD, Frostburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,220, while out-of-state students pay about $25,814. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,493. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Frostburg State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full Frostburg State University report
University Of Connecticut ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Based in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Typical Zoology student debt is $23,750. University Of Connecticut alumni report median earnings of $73,997 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. University Of Connecticut has an acceptance rate of 52%. More on University Of Connecticut
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,120 in student loans. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Set against $25,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 58%. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
University Of Idaho ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Set in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,084, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. The median Zoology program debt is $23,844. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,670. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Idaho admits about 76% of applicants. See the full University Of Idaho profile
Miami University Oxford offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Miami University Oxford is a public school based in Oxford, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,519, while out-of-state students pay about $38,965. Typical Zoology student debt is $23,562. Median earnings reach $55,076 ten years out. Set against $23,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Miami University Oxford profile
Indiana University Bloomington offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Indiana University Bloomington Zoology students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,742 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Delaware placed #47 among the best-value Zoology schools in the United States. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,861 in student loans. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Delaware report
University Of New England ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. Located in Biddeford, ME, University Of New England is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,210 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,921. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of New England report
University Of California San Diego ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Zoology schools. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical Zoology student debt is $17,101. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $17,101 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
University Of Maine offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. University Of Maine is a public school based in Orono, ME. In-state tuition and fees average $13,326, with out-of-state students paying around $36,756. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,653. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Maine has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on University Of Maine
Canisius College came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in Buffalo, NY, Canisius College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,200. Typical Zoology student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,681. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Canisius College profile
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public school based in Durham, NH. In-state tuition and fees average $19,202, with out-of-state students paying around $39,852. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Zoology program here. Median earnings reach $66,479 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full University Of New Hampshire Main Campus profile
Related Zoology Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Zoology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Zoology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Zoology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Zoology Associate’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
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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