Analysis
California's zoology programs show a wide range of outcomes, and without direct data from Master's University, comparable programs suggest this one lands in the middle of the pack. Similar programs in California typically produce first-year earnings around $37,600, which notably exceeds the national median of $28,400 for this field—a reflection of the state's higher cost of living and more diverse job market for biology graduates.
The estimated $25,700 in debt sits above California's median for zoology programs but below the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68. In practical terms, that means estimated monthly loan payments around $290 on a standard plan—manageable on a $37,600 salary, though tight in expensive Santa Clarita. What's harder to predict is how Master's University's specific approach (as a Christian seminary-affiliated institution) might affect career preparation compared to the state schools in the benchmark data.
The real challenge: zoology is notoriously back-loaded, with many graduates needing advanced degrees or years of experience to reach solid earning potential. Without knowing whether Master's graduates follow typical patterns or forge different paths, you're betting on regional salary advantages while accepting above-state-average debt. If your student is committed to graduate school or knows exactly what niche they're targeting, those estimated figures become less relevant than the undergraduate preparation itself.
Where The Master's University and Seminary Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all zoology/animal biology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Zoology/Animal Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,930 | $37,633* | — | $25,700* | — | |
| $7,424 | $41,565* | $46,358 | $11,000* | 0.26 | |
| $14,965 | $37,633* | $41,245 | —* | — | |
| $7,913 | $28,565* | $26,675 | $20,690* | 0.72 | |
| National Median | — | $28,461* | — | $24,393* | 0.86 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with zoology/animal biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Biological Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Geneticists
Biologists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At The Master's University and Seminary, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.