2026 Best Zoology/Animal Biology Schools in Illinois

Zoology/Animal Biology is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools to find the best for zoology/animal biology students.

What’s on this page:

• Best Zoology/Animal Biology Schools in Illinois

Best Schools for Zoology/Animal Biology in Illinois

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall zoology/animal biology education in Illinois.

Top Schools in Zoology/Animal Biology

1

Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

15 Zoology/Animal Biology Degrees Awarded

$48,505 Median Starting Salary

Olivet Nazarene University tops our 2026 ranking of the best zoology/animal biology schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Bourbonnais. Olivet Nazarene University graduates 61% of students within six years. About 15 zoology/animal biology degrees were awarded at Olivet Nazarene University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, zoology/animal biology degree recipients from Olivet Nazarene University generally make around $48,505. Students borrow a median of $26,797 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in zoology/animal biology from Olivet Nazarene University

2

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

60 Zoology/Animal Biology Degrees Awarded

$34,014 Median Starting Salary

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in zoology/animal biology, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. About 60 zoology/animal biology degrees were awarded at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in the most recent year. Zoology/animal Biology graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $34,014 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,717 to complete this degree. Get the full zoology/animal biology details for Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 3 schools evaluated.

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).

More about our data sources and methodologies.