Zoology/Animal Biology at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

UNH's Zoology program sits in an unusual position: while it ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for earnings, it's actually the median performer in New Hampshire—because it's the only program in the state. That means comparing to state data isn't particularly useful here. The national comparison tells the real story: first-year graduates earn $22,268, nearly $6,000 below the national median for zoology programs, with debt slightly above typical levels.

The trajectory improves substantially, though. By year four, earnings climb 69% to $37,657, suggesting these graduates either transition into better-paying roles or leave entry-level animal care positions behind. That's a meaningful turnaround, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual career paths heavily influence these numbers. The debt load of $27,000 is manageable relative to the four-year earnings, but that first year at $22,268 presents real financial strain—you're looking at over half of pre-tax income needed for standard loan payments.

For families considering this major, understand that zoology typically leads to modest-paying work regardless of institution, often requiring graduate school for advanced roles. UNH's program appears to follow that pattern, with particularly low initial earnings that may reflect the realities of seasonal field work or entry-level lab positions. If your student is passionate about animal biology, they should plan for either tight budgets early on or a career pivot that leverages the degree differently.