Zoology/Animal Biology at Delaware Valley University

Delaware Valley University's zoology program produces graduates who earn slightly less than the national average initially, but here's what matters more: they carry manageable debt and show consistent earnings growth. With $26,400 in loans against $27,287 in first-year earnings, graduates face a nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio—uncomfortable but not crushing—and their debt load ranks among the lowest nationally for this major (12th percentile). Within four years, earnings climb to just over $30,000, putting these graduates near the 75th percentile nationally.

The Pennsylvania context is harder to interpret. This program sits at the 60th percentile for earnings within the state, but with only four schools offering zoology degrees in PA and limited comparison data, that ranking doesn't tell us much. What's more relevant: these graduates match the state median for both earnings and debt exactly, suggesting this is simply the baseline outcome for Pennsylvania students in this field.

The real caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means these figures could swing significantly year to year. For a family considering this program, the decision hinges less on these specific numbers and more on whether a career working with animals justifies starting around $27,000. The debt is reasonable and earnings do improve, but this remains a passion-driven field with limited financial upside, regardless of where you study it.