2026 Best Value Zoology/Animal Biology Schools in the Far Western Region

1

Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA

For return on investment in zoology/animal biology, no school beat Humboldt State University this year. Set in the town of Arcata, Humboldt State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,397, while out-of-state students pay about $20,997. Students borrow a median of $20,690 to complete the zoology/animal biology program here. Zoology/animal Biology graduates of Humboldt State University earn a median of $28,565 early in their careers. Set against $20,690 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Humboldt State University admits about 98% of applicants.

2

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

Students looking for strong value in zoology/animal biology will find it at University Of California Santa Barbara, which ranked #2. Set in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Zoology/animal Biology graduates carry a median of $15,501 in student loans. Soon after graduation, zoology/animal biology degree recipients from University Of California Santa Barbara generally make around $37,633. Set against $15,501 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara admits about 33% of applicants.

3

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Washington State University earned it the #3 place for zoology/animal biology. Located in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Zoology/animal Biology graduates carry a median of $17,875 in student loans. Early-career zoology/animal biology graduates make about $28,469. Set against $17,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants.

4

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

A rank of #4 makes University Of California Davis one of the best values for zoology/animal biology. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Zoology/animal Biology graduates carry a median of $14,404 in student loans. Zoology/animal Biology graduates of University Of California Davis earn a median of $53,749 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants.

5

Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR

Oregon State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in zoology/animal biology, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, while out-of-state students pay about $38,190. Typical student debt for zoology/animal biology graduates is $25,500. Zoology/animal Biology graduates of Oregon State University earn a median of $27,491 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.