by our College Data Analytics Team
[Zoology](/majors/biological-biomedical-sciences/zoology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for zoology students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in zoology, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is University Of Florida, our #1 best value for zoology in the Southeast Region. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Zoology graduates carry a median of $20,625 in student loans. Early-career zoology graduates make about $36,824. That is a strong return on a $20,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Georgia one of the best values for zoology. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete the zoology program here. Early-career zoology graduates make about $53,546. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Davidson County Community College one of the best values for zoology. Set in the rural area of Thomasville, Davidson County Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,980, while out-of-state students pay about $6,588. Zoology graduates carry a median of $16,693 in student loans. Early-career zoology graduates make about $23,733. That is a strong return on a $16,693 median debt.
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value zoology schools. Set in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Zoology graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, zoology degree recipients from North Carolina State University At Raleigh generally make around $42,329. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mars Hill College earned it the #5 place for zoology. Located in the rural area of Mars Hill, Mars Hill College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $37,736 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for zoology graduates is $26,886. Early-career zoology graduates make about $43,031. That is a strong return on a $26,886 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Berry College placed #6 among the best values for zoology. Located in the suburb of Mount Berry, Berry College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,486. Zoology graduates carry a median of $24,569 in student loans. Early-career zoology graduates make about $33,258. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.
Lees Mcrae College placed #7 among the best values for zoology. Lees Mcrae College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Banner Elk. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,850. Students borrow a median of $24,120 to complete the zoology program here. Early-career zoology graduates make about $24,921. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lees Mcrae College admits about 77% of applicants.
Liberty University placed #8 among the best values for zoology. Liberty University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lynchburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Typical student debt for zoology graduates is $24,393. Soon after graduation, zoology degree recipients from Liberty University generally make around $23,988. Set against $24,393 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
Eckerd College ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value zoology schools. Eckerd College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Saint Petersburg. In-state tuition and fees average $51,884. Students borrow a median of $25,559 to complete the zoology program here. Early-career zoology graduates make about $28,012. That is a strong return on a $25,559 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.