2026 Best Value Zoology/Animal Biology Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison earned the #1 spot for value among zoology/animal biology schools in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $24,872 to complete the zoology/animal biology program here. Soon after graduation, zoology/animal biology degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $23,888. That is a strong return on a $24,872 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

2

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southern Illinois University Carbondale earned it the #2 place for zoology/animal biology. Located in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Typical student debt for zoology/animal biology graduates is $21,717. Early-career zoology/animal biology graduates make about $34,014. That is a strong return on a $21,717 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

3

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value zoology/animal biology schools. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Zoology/animal Biology graduates carry a median of $24,800 in student loans. Early-career zoology/animal biology graduates make about $29,996. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

4

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value zoology/animal biology schools. Kent State University At Kent is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kent. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Typical student debt for zoology/animal biology graduates is $25,000. Early-career zoology/animal biology graduates make about $25,491. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

5

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value zoology/animal biology schools. Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of Athens. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,210 to complete the zoology/animal biology program here. Zoology/animal Biology graduates of Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of $29,303 early in their careers. Set against $25,210 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.

6

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University placed #6 among the best values for zoology/animal biology. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the zoology/animal biology program here. Early-career zoology/animal biology graduates make about $26,801. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.

7

Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University placed #7 among the best values for zoology/animal biology. Set in the suburb of Bourbonnais, Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,900. Zoology/animal Biology graduates carry a median of $26,797 in student loans. Zoology/animal Biology graduates of Olivet Nazarene University earn a median of $48,505 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,797 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted.

8

Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, OH

Ohio Wesleyan University landed the #8 spot for zoology/animal biology value this year. Located in the suburb of Delaware, Ohio Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,248. Typical student debt for zoology/animal biology graduates is $26,646. Zoology/animal Biology graduates of Ohio Wesleyan University earn a median of $29,547 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%.

9

Malone University
Canton, OH

Malone University earned the #9 position for value in zoology/animal biology this year. Set in the city of Canton, Malone University is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,160. Zoology/animal Biology graduates carry a median of $27,956 in student loans. Early-career zoology/animal biology graduates make about $48,359. That is a strong return on a $27,956 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

10

Miami University Oxford
Oxford, OH

Miami University Oxford placed #10 among the best values for zoology/animal biology. Set in the town of Oxford, Miami University Oxford is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,519 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. Typical student debt for zoology/animal biology graduates is $23,562. Zoology/animal Biology graduates of Miami University Oxford earn a median of $28,071 early in their careers. Set against $23,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Miami University Oxford admits about 75% of applicants.