Zoology/Animal Biology at Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus

Ohio University-Chillicothe's zoology program starts modestly but delivers something crucial: substantial income growth. While $29,303 in the first year is just above the national median, earnings climb to $42,761 by year four—a 46% increase that suggests graduates are gaining traction in their careers rather than plateauing early. With debt of $25,210, the initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 becomes much more manageable as incomes rise, and the program keeps borrowing below the 25th percentile nationally (meaning lower debt than 75% of similar programs).

Within Ohio's zoology landscape, this program sits right at the state median for both earnings and debt, performing identically to several Ohio University campuses and trailing only Ohio State's main campus by a few hundred dollars initially. The robust sample size—over 100 graduates tracked—makes these patterns reliable, not statistical flukes. For families concerned about whether a biology-focused degree can support financial independence, the trajectory here matters more than the starting point.

The takeaway: This isn't a high-earning program out of the gate, but it's a reasonable investment for students serious about animal sciences. The combination of controlled debt and steady earnings growth creates a path to financial stability, especially if graduates pursue veterinary technician roles, wildlife management positions, or continue to graduate programs where this serves as a solid foundation.