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Zoology/Animal Biology at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,565/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,200 openings/yr)
ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #30 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 $443K $448K $429K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.0x 14.2x 13.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.7x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,668
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,095
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,169
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's Zoology/Animal Biology program produces graduates earning $28,565/yr — within striking distance of the $28,448 national average for this field.

With a 14.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% 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 $20,095 against $28,565/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #30 ranking among 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs places California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 30% earnings increase from $28,565 to $37,169 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

A 99% acceptance rate means California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 5,491 in Arcata, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →

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 California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($55,589) Forestry ($52,810) Plant Sciences ($44,038) Computer Science ($37,153) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($36,586) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($36,444) Political Science and Government ($36,079) Social Work ($35,693)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Zoology/Animal Biology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Zoology/Animal Biology at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
At 25/100, 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 California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →