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Zoology/Animal Biology at Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,843/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,200 openings/yr)
ROI 9.4x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #36 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 $403K $412K $402K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.2x 9.4x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.7x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,768
Out-of-state: $111,264 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$71,532
-63% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,750
9.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,843 track close to the $28,448 national median for Zoology/Animal Biology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 9.4x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 46% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,750 debt-to-$26,843 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #36 out of 55 programs, Kansas State University's financial outcomes for Zoology/Animal Biology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Kansas State University

Kansas State University has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 14,835 students in Manhattan, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Kansas State University →

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 Kansas State University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,758) Computer Engineering ($77,938) Industrial Engineering ($77,724) Chemical Engineering ($77,492) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($76,385) Agricultural and Food Products Processing ($76,052) Construction Engineering Technologies ($74,253) Architectural Engineering ($74,091)

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

How does Kansas State University's Zoology/Animal Biology program score?
This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Zoology/Animal Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Zoology/Animal Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Zoology/Animal Biology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 46% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →