by our College Data Analytics Team
[Zoology](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/zoology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 12 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value zoology schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in zoology, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in zoology, no school beat Pikes Peak Community College this year. Pikes Peak Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Colorado Springs. Students from in state pay about $4,510 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,110. Students borrow a median of $16,066 to complete the zoology program here. Early-career zoology graduates make about $41,037. Set against $16,066 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Weber State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value zoology schools. Located in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,557 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,039 to complete the zoology program here. Soon after graduation, zoology degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $28,461. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in zoology will find it at University Of Wyoming, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Laramie, University Of Wyoming is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Zoology graduates carry a median of $23,875 in student loans. Soon after graduation, zoology degree recipients from University Of Wyoming generally make around $29,359. Set against $23,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Brigham Young University Provo is a great value for students pursuing a degree in zoology, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Zoology graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Soon after graduation, zoology degree recipients from Brigham Young University Provo generally make around $24,457. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Colorado State University Fort Collins one of the best values for zoology. Set in the city of Fort Collins, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Typical student debt for zoology graduates is $25,000. Early-career zoology graduates make about $27,741. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.