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Zoology/Animal Biology at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,115/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (29,200 openings/yr)
ROI 12.9x earnings multiple (9.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #13 of 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs Top 25%

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 $567K $560K $513K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.1x 12.9x 11.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.1x 9.0x 8.3x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,428
Out-of-state: $62,044 (9.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,336
-50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,808
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,284
70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,115/yr, edging above the $28,448 national average for Zoology/Animal Biology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 12.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 46% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,808 debt-to-$33,115 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #13 out of 55 programs, North Dakota State University-Main Campus's Zoology/Animal Biology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $33,115 to $56,284 over five years (70% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State University-Main Campus has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 9,567 students in Fargo, ND.

See all programs and financial aid at North Dakota State University-Main Campus →

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 North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Computer Engineering ($76,558) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($75,212) Construction Engineering Technologies ($74,199) Civil Engineering ($72,729) Mechanical Engineering ($72,158) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($70,821) Industrial Engineering ($68,873) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($67,303)

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

How does North Dakota State University-Main Campus's Zoology/Animal Biology program score?
This program scores 38/100 — 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.
Why does North Dakota State University-Main Campus rank so high for Zoology/Animal Biology?
The #13 ranking out of 55 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →