Zoology/Animal Biology at Texas State University

Texas State's zoology program starts with sobering first-year earnings of just $22,264—well below the $30,736 state median and ranking in the bottom quarter of Texas programs. With $25,033 in typical debt, new graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.12, meaning they owe more than half their annual salary. That's a difficult financial position, especially when peers at Texas A&M earn $31,485 right out of the gate.

The program's saving grace is strong earnings growth: within four years, median pay jumps 61% to $35,783, ultimately surpassing both state and national medians. This trajectory suggests the degree opens doors to better opportunities with experience, though the climb is steeper here than at top Texas programs. The moderate sample size means these patterns are reasonably reliable, but individual outcomes will vary considerably.

For families considering this path, the question is whether your child can weather those first few years financially. If they have minimal debt, family support, or can secure one of those higher-paying positions early, this program can work. But if they'll be carrying the full $25,000 debt load on an entry salary under $23,000, they'll face real budget strain while their career gains traction. The long-term trajectory is encouraging, but the short-term gap between debt and earnings demands careful planning.