Zoology/Animal Biology at Kent State University at Kent

Starting at $25,491 feels sobering for a bachelor's degree, but Kent State's zoology program actually tracks reasonably with this field's realities nationwide. That first-year salary sits below Ohio's median for zoology graduates ($29,303), landing in the 40th percentile statewide—meaning six in ten Ohio zoology programs produce better initial outcomes. The $25,000 debt load nearly equals that first year's earnings, creating immediate financial pressure for graduates who may be working lab assistant or animal care positions while pursuing further education or career advancement.

The 22% earnings jump to $31,034 by year four offers genuine relief, suggesting graduates find their footing as they gain experience or complete graduate programs common in this field. This growth rate outpaces many biology-adjacent majors and pushes earnings slightly above the national zoology median. However, Kent State still lags behind Ohio State's program (nearly $30K starting) and remains thousands behind the field's top performers.

For families considering this path: zoology rarely leads to immediate financial returns without graduate school. If your student is passionate about animal science and willing to accept modest starting pay while building credentials, the manageable debt here won't trap them. But if they're undecided or hoping to avoid grad school, they should understand they'll likely earn less initially than peers in Ohio State's program just 45 minutes north, though the gap narrows considerably within a few years.