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2026 Best Value Zoology Schools in the Far Western Region

6 Colleges in the United States
$18,859 Avg Student Debt
$67,332 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Zoology Badge [Zoology](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/zoology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong zoology education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 13 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for zoology students.

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2026 Best Value Zoology Schools in the Far Western Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in zoology, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Zoology Schools

1

Leading the list is Humboldt State University, our #1 best value for zoology in the Far Western Region. Set in the town of Arcata, Humboldt State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,397 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,997 for out-of-state students. Zoology graduates carry a median of $20,690 in student loans. Early-career zoology graduates make about $28,565. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Humboldt State University admits about 98% of applicants.

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of California Riverside one of the best values for zoology. University Of California Riverside is a very large public school located in the city of Riverside. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Students borrow a median of $19,187 to complete the zoology program here. Early-career zoology graduates make about $40,040. That is a strong return on a $19,187 median debt. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants.

3

University Of California Santa Barbara is a great value for students pursuing a degree in zoology, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical student debt for zoology graduates is $15,501. Zoology graduates of University Of California Santa Barbara earn a median of $37,633 early in their careers. Set against $15,501 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted.

4

Washington State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value zoology schools. Located in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical student debt for zoology graduates is $17,875. Soon after graduation, zoology degree recipients from Washington State University generally make around $28,469. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Davis earned it the #5 place for zoology. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for zoology graduates is $14,404. Early-career zoology graduates make about $53,749. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

6

Oregon State University earned the #6 position for value in zoology this year. Oregon State University is a very large public school located in the city of Corvallis. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for zoology graduates is $25,500. Zoology graduates of Oregon State University earn a median of $27,491 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 13 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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