Zoology/Animal Biology at Unity Environmental University

Unity Environmental University's zoology program graduates earn more than three-quarters of similar programs nationwide, with first-year earnings of $30,987—outpacing the national median by about $2,500. The debt load of $27,250 creates a manageable 0.88 ratio to first-year earnings, and that debt burden ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally, meaning 95% of comparable programs saddle students with more. Among Maine's limited options for zoology degrees, this program sits at the state median, trailing University of Maine but beating University of New England by a solid margin.

The trajectory looks reasonably steady, with earnings climbing 8% to $33,479 by year four—not spectacular growth, but animal biology isn't typically a high-earning field right out of college. The real appeal here is achieving above-average outcomes with below-average debt in a field where passion often trumps paychecks. For families concerned about ROI in a traditionally modest-earning major, Unity delivers competitive results.

The major caveat: fewer than 30 graduates were tracked, so individual circumstances could swing these numbers significantly. However, serving a student body where 59% receive Pell grants while maintaining these debt and earnings figures suggests Unity isn't just succeeding with well-resourced students. For a parent whose child is committed to animal biology, this program offers a pragmatic path—better earnings than most, less debt than nearly all.