2026 Best Value Zoology/Animal Biology Schools in California

1

Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA

For return on investment in zoology/animal biology, no school beat Humboldt State University this year. Located in the town of Arcata, Humboldt State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,397 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,997. Zoology/animal Biology graduates carry a median of $20,690 in student loans. Zoology/animal Biology graduates of Humboldt State University earn a median of $28,565 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Humboldt State University admits about 98% of applicants.

2

University Of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of California Santa Barbara earned it the #2 place for zoology/animal biology. University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public school located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Students borrow a median of $15,501 to complete the zoology/animal biology program here. Zoology/animal Biology graduates of University Of California Santa Barbara earn a median of $37,633 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,501 median debt. The acceptance rate is 33%.

3

University Of California Davis
Davis, CA

Students looking for strong value in zoology/animal biology will find it at University Of California Davis, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of Davis, University Of California Davis is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,404 to complete the zoology/animal biology program here. Zoology/animal Biology graduates of University Of California Davis earn a median of $53,749 early in their careers. Set against $14,404 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants.