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Zoology at Lees-McRae College

Banner Elk, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Zoology/Animal Biology
13 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
13
Optimistic
13
Base Case
12
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,921/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,200 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #54 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 graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $436K $442K $424K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.5x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 13 13 12

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$124,560
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$103,060
17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
11.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,006
40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $24,921/yr, roughly in line with the $28,448 national median for Zoology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 3.5x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Zoology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,000 against $24,921/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #54 ranking among 55 Zoology programs places Lees-McRae College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 40% earnings increase from $24,921 to $35,006 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Lees-McRae College

Lees-McRae College accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 817 in Banner Elk, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Lees-McRae College →

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 →

Zoology 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 Lees-McRae College

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($69,776) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($39,811) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($38,996) Human Services, General ($34,811) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($33,292)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Zoology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 13/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Zoology at Lees-McRae College?
At 13/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Zoology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Zoology at Lees-McRae College?
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 →