Zoology/Animal Biology at University of Vermont

A $22,000 starting salary with $23,250 in debt is a tough financial picture, even for a field known for modest early earnings. University of Vermont's zoology program lands in the bottom 5% nationally for first-year earnings—graduates here make about $6,000 less than the typical zoology graduate nationwide. While the debt burden is slightly below the national median for this major, a debt-to-earnings ratio just above 1.0 means graduates owe more than they earn in their first year out, creating immediate financial pressure.

The bright spot is earnings growth: the 39% jump to $31,000 by year four suggests graduates find their footing as they gain experience or pursue graduate work. However, even with that growth, earnings only reach the national median for zoology programs. It's worth noting that UVM is the only school in Vermont offering this degree, so the state comparison isn't particularly meaningful—you're essentially looking at UVM's own numbers reflected back.

For families paying out-of-state tuition at UVM, this is a particularly difficult value proposition. The combination of bottom-percentile starting salaries and modest four-year earnings means graduates will likely need family support, multiple jobs, or aggressive debt management in those early years. If your child is passionate about animal biology, having concrete plans for graduate school or specialized careers that justify the initial financial sacrifice becomes essential.