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Zoology/Animal Biology at Lees-McRae College

Banner Elk, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
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/Animal Biology 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/Animal Biology. 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/Animal Biology 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/Animal Biology 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/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 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/Animal Biology 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/Animal Biology at Lees-McRae College?
At 13/100, 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 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 →