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Zoology/Animal Biology at University of Maine

Orono, ME · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,130/yr (23% vs median)

AI Risk High (46% exposed)

Job Market Medium (29,200 openings/yr)

ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #20 of 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs Top 50%

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	$449K	$453K	$433K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.9x	9.0x	8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.2x	3.2x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	44%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	31	31	28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,424

Out-of-state: $141,384 (3.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,180

-43% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,841

9.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $35,130 per year, Zoology/Animal Biology graduates from University of Maine earn slightly above the $28,448 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Zoology/Animal Biology's typical career paths, with 46% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 4% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $26,841 represents roughly 9 months of the $35,130 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #20 of 55 Zoology/Animal Biology programs, University of Maine scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

About University of Maine

With 96% of applicants admitted, University of Maine prioritizes broad access, serving 8,341 students in Orono, ME.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Maine →

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

Zoology/Animal Biology at Other Schools

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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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Zoology/Animal Biology at University of Maine?

A score of 31/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Zoology/Animal Biology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Zoology/Animal Biology careers?

With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $432,887 in decade earnings vs $448,925 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →