2025 Best Colleges for Zoology

March 27, 2025

So, you鈥檙e obsessed with wildlife documentaries, spend way too much time Googling exotic species, and have a soft spot for every animal you meet? You might just be a future zoologist. Whether your dream is to conduct field research in the Amazon or work behind the scenes at a world-class aquarium, your college experience can set the tone for everything that comes next. In this post, we鈥檒l highlight the best colleges for Zoology鈥攕chools that don鈥檛 just offer strong academics, but also open doors to top-tier research, numerous field experiences, and meaningful career pathways.

Data and Methodology

In order to rank the best undergraduate programs in zoology (which can also be under the title of “Animal Biology”), we analyzed institution- and program-level data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics as reported by , salary and other outcomes collected by and , and peer assessment data collected through a number of different college rankings systems and surveys, including our own. Click here for a further breakdown of our methodology.

Best Colleges for Zoology

Here鈥檚 a quick preview of the best Zoology colleges. Detailed profiles and stats for these and 20 other ranked Zoology programs can be found when you scroll below.

1)

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

8)

9)

10)

Rankings for Related Programs

After reviewing our list of best Zoology and Animal Biology programs BELOW, please also feel free to check out our rankings of other related programs:

#1 Best College for Zoology
The Ohio State University 鈥 Columbus

The Ohio State University 鈥 Columbus

  • Columbus, OH

Academic Highlights: There are 250+ undergraduate majors and 18 schools and colleges housed within OSU. A 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to fairly large classes as only 40% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, so expect a fair number of courses in a large lecture hall setting. Still, aggressive students can find opportunities to work closely with faculty. The Office of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry helps approximately 600 students per year participate in undergraduate research forums. All told, approximately 20% of students gain research experience. Last year, nearly 1,800 undergraduates elected to study abroad in one of 350+ short- and long-term programs spread across 70 countries; OSU has the third-highest study abroad enrollment numbers in the Big 10.

Professional Outcomes: Upon receiving their diplomas, 64% of Class of 2023 graduates entered the world of employment while 14% were already accepted into graduate or professional school.聽 Hordes of Buckeyes can be found at many of the nation鈥檚 leading companies. More than 2,000 alumni work for JPMorgan Chase, and more than 500 work for Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Of the grads who directly matriculate into graduate or professional school, many continue in one of OSU鈥檚 own programs.

  • Enrollment: 45,728
  • Cost of Attendance: $31,231 (In-State); $56,737 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 51%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 88%

#2 for Zoology
University of California, Davis

University of California, Davis

  • Davis, CA

Academics: While class sizes aren鈥檛 small, 31% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and 67% of classes are kept under fifty students. There are numerous opportunities for undergraduate research through programs like the McNair Scholars Program, the Biology Undergraduate Research Program, and the Provost鈥檚 Undergraduate Fellowship. All in all, 50% of Aggies engage in some type of research/creative project outside the classroom, and over 700 present at the annual undergraduate research conference.

Professional Outcomes: Many recent grads found homes in Silicon Valley or other California-based employers. Corporations employing 200 or more Aggies include Google, Apple, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Salesforce, LinkedIn, and Tesla. Graduates earn a median salary of $79,000 at the beginning of their careers, but ten years out of school, median earnings rise to $147k. Most Aggies reside in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Sacramento, Davis, and Los Angeles proving popular with graduates as well.

  • Enrollment: 31,797
  • Cost of Attendance: $41,055 (In-State); $71,832 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: Test Blind
  • Median ACT: Test Blind
  • Acceptance Rate: 42%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

#3 for Zoology
University of Wisconsin 鈥 Madison

University of Wisconsin 鈥 Madison

  • Madison, WI

Academic Highlights: There are 230+ undergraduate majors offered across eight schools and colleges, Undergrads can expect a mix of large and small classes, with 43% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. Undergraduate research opportunities exist, but the onus is on the student to show initiative and procure the placement. Still, 44% of recent grads engaged in research, and the school hosts an annual Undergraduate Symposium where 600 students presented in 2024. Participation is much higher when it comes to study abroad programs; 25% of students take advantage each year and there are 325 programs in 80 countries to choose from.

Professional Outcomes: In 2023, 72% of job-seeking grads graduated with an offer.聽 Top employers included UW-Madison, Epic, UW Health, the State of Wisconsin, Kohl’s, and Deloitte. Across all graduating years, companies employing 250+ alumni include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Target, Apple, Meta, and Salesforce. Class of 2023 grads enrolled in graduate/professional programs at a rate of 28%; volunteering is also a popular path post-graduation for UW-Madison alumni as the university is the #1 producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

  • Enrollment: 36,797
  • Cost of Attendance: $28,905 (In-State); $58,303 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1450
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 43%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 89%

#4 for Zoology
North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University

  • Raleigh, NC

Academic Highlights: NC State offers more than 100 majors and 120 minors. Thanks to a reasonable 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you won鈥檛 exclusively have classes in enormous lecture halls. Rather, NC State offers its undergraduates a mix of experiences with 63% of sections enrolling 29 or fewer students and 18% enrolling 50 or more. The Office of Undergraduate Research works diligently to connect star students to faculty research projects, which leads to nearly 500 student presentations at the spring poster sessions alone. In 2024, 28 students received invitations to present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Professional Outcomes: Forty-four percent of students graduating in 2023 had already accepted full-time jobs before exiting; 30% were heading to graduate/professional school. Members of that class reported an average starting salary of $65,589 (with a slightly higher median). Including all graduating years, the companies employing the largest number of alumni are Cisco, SAS, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, IBM, Lenovo, Apple, Meta, and NVIDIA. Many recent grads also work for the university itself.

  • Enrollment: 27,323
  • Cost of Attendance: $26,604 (In-State); $49,476 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1380
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 40%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

#5 for Zoology
University of California, Santa Barbara

University of California, Santa Barbara

  • Santa Barbara, CA

Academic Highlights: The student-to-faculty ratio at UC Santa Barbara is a decent 17:1, and the school does an excellent job of keeping undergraduate class sizes on the small side. In fact, more than half of sections contain fewer than 20 students, and 72% enroll 29 or fewer. Undergraduate research opportunities definitely exist for those willing to forge relationships with faculty outside the classroom. A solid 63% of graduates report engaging in some type of faculty-guided research. It鈥檚 not as easy to inspire Gauchos to leave their campus paradise for a semester in a foreign land鈥攐nly around 20% of students participate in study abroad.

Professional Outcomes:聽 Over 500 UC Santa Barbara alumni currently work at Google, Apple, and Amazon, while Meta, Microsoft, Salesforce, AppFolio, and NVIDIA each employ 100+. Early in their career, UCSB alumni make a median salary of $75k; by mid-career, they earn a median income of $152k. Most graduates settle in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, followed by the San Francisco Bay area, and the San Diego metropolitan area.

  • Enrollment: 23,232
  • Cost of Attendance: $40,587 (In-State); $71,364 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: Test Blind
  • Median ACT: Test Blind
  • Acceptance Rate: 28%
  • Retention Rate: 92%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

#6 for Zoology
Texas A&M University 鈥 College Station

Texas A&M University 鈥 College Station

  • College Station, TX

Academic Highlights: With sixteen schools and colleges and 140+ undergraduate degree programs, Texas A&M is a massive operation. Class sizes trend large, but 25% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students and personal connections with professors are entirely possible, particularly through the research-oriented LAUNCH program. A&M excels in facilitating study abroad experiences, sending over 5,600 students to 110+ countries in a typical year, the most of any public university in the United States.

Professional Outcomes: On graduation day, 79% of students had already received at least one job offer or were heading to graduate/professional school. Many Aggies go on to work at major oil, tech, and consulting firms; Amazon, ExxonMobil, Microsoft, Apple, Halliburton, and Google each employ more than 500 alumni. Starting salaries were strong鈥攐n average grads netted around $65k. The vast majority of graduates remain in Texas with Houston, Dallas, College Station, Austin, and San Antonio top in popularity.

  • Enrollment: 59,933
  • Cost of Attendance: $33,507 (In-State); $60,736 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1260
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 63%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%

#7 for Zoology
University of Florida

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL

Academic Highlights: With 16 colleges and 100 undergraduate majors to choose from, educational experiences are exceptionally diverse. UF impressively offers 50% of sections with an enrollment of fewer than 20 students. The Center for Undergraduate Research offers a University Research Scholars program as well as summer opportunities, hosts its own Undergraduate Research Symposium, and publishes its own UF Journal of Undergraduate Research. Forty percent of all undergrads have such an experience. The school has connections to 1,100 study abroad programs that are taken advantage of by more than 2,900 undergrads each year.

Professional Outcomes: The University of Florida demonstrates exceptional career preparation, with 83% of the Class of 2024 securing employment by graduation day. Gator alumni have established a strong presence at leading tech giants, with 200+ graduates currently working at Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Meta, and Oracle. The class achieved an impressive average starting salary of $68,000. For those continuing their education, popular graduate destinations include the University of South Florida, Nova Southeastern University, and Georgia Tech, showcasing UF’s strong pipeline to both immediate employment and advanced academic opportunities.

  • Enrollment: 34,924
  • Cost of Attendance: $22,601 (In-State); $44,879 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1390
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 24%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%

#8 for Zoology
Colorado State University

Colorado State University

  • Fort Collins, CO

Academic Highlights:聽Colorado State University provides students with a dynamic academic environment offering 74 undergraduate degree programs supported by a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. While 33% of courses maintain an intimate setting with fewer than 20 students, another 22% feature larger lecture-style classes, creating diverse learning experiences. CSU shines in hands-on learning, with 5,000+ undergraduates engaging in research annually and one in four students gaining global perspectives through study abroad or international programs鈥攄emonstrating the university’s commitment to experiential education at scale.

Professional Outcomes: CSU graduates achieve remarkable career success, with 90% of the Class of 2023 securing employment or graduate school placement within six months. An impressive 72% completed internships, contributing to strong outcomes where 87% landed jobs aligned with their career goals, and 69% overall were employed. Alumni thrive at industry leaders like Lockheed Martin, Deloitte, and Fidelity Investments, while those continuing their education frequently choose top public research universities, including the University of Colorado system, Arizona State, and the University of Washington. With an average starting salary of $57,461, CSU proves the value of its academic programs.

  • Enrollment: 25,834
  • Cost of Attendance: $32,439 (In-State); $53,294 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1160
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%

#9 for Zoology
University of Vermont

University of Vermont

  • Burlington, VT

Academic Highlights: The University of Vermont offers nearly 100 undergraduate majors and 90 advanced degree programs, ensuring students can pursue virtually any academic interest. With 37% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students and 63% under 30, UVM prioritizes an intimate learning environment鈥攐nly 18% of courses take place in large lecture halls. Hands-on learning is a hallmark: 40% of undergraduates participate in faculty-mentored research, many presenting at the annual Student Research Conference. Global engagement is equally robust, with hundreds of students studying abroad through UVM鈥檚 direct partnerships with 20 international institutions.

Professional Outcomes:聽UVM graduates thrive post-commencement, with 93% achieving career or graduate school success within six months. Nearly half enter the workforce immediately, earning an average starting salary of $54,892, and securing roles at top employers like UVM Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess, and the State of Vermont. Meanwhile, 23% continue their education, enrolling at prestigious institutions such as Boston University, NYU, and Northeastern, or furthering their studies at UVM itself.

 

  • Enrollment: 12,168
  • Cost of Attendance: $35,798 (In-State); $60,798 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1340
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 79%

#10 Best College for Zoology
Bucknell University

Bucknell University

  • Lewisburg, PA

Academic Highlights: Getting well-acquainted with your professors is easy with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and class sizes are reasonably small. Slightly more than half of courses at Bucknell unfold in a classroom of no more than nineteen students, and approximately 90% of all sections enroll fewer than twenty-nine students. All of Bucknell鈥檚 full-time professors spend some of their time teaching undergraduates. More than 500 take advantage of research opportunities on campus

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduation, 93% of Bucknell’s most recent graduating class had launched their careers or entered graduate school. Across all disciplines, the average salary for a聽 grad was $72,735,聽 which is well above average when compared to other liberal arts colleges. Geographically, most Bucknell grads remain concentrated in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and the DC metro area.

  • Enrollment: 3,846
  • Cost of Attendance: $83,790
  • Median SAT: 1370
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 32%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 86%

#11 for Zoology
Michigan State University

Michigan State University

  • East Lansing, MI

Academic Highlights: This highly regarded state institution boasts over 400 areas of study鈥攗ndergraduate, graduate, and professional鈥攁cross 17 degree-granting colleges. A 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio rates in the average range for public universities of MSU鈥檚 size and scope. Class sizes are a genuine mix of small seminars and giant lecture halls. In one recent year, 55% percent of undergraduate course sections contain fewer than 30 students; just 23% enrolled more than 50. Undergraduate research opportunities do exist for those bold enough to pursue them; 36% of recent grads completed one such experience. Around 25% of undergrads study abroad at one of 260 programs located in 60+ countries.

Professional Outcomes: Within months of strutting across the graduation stage, 63% of Class of 2023 members had landed full-time employment, 25% were pursuing advanced degrees, and 4% were still looking for a job. The top employers of this group included big names like the State of Michigan, General Motors, the US Federal Government, Ford Motor Company, and PepsiCo. The median starting salary earned was $64,149. Among the grad schools favored by recent alumni are the University of Michigan, New York University, Columbia University, and Northwestern University.

  • Enrollment: 40,483
  • Cost of Attendance: $32,668 (In-State); $60,052 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%

#12 for Zoology
University of Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma

  • Norman, OK

Academic Highlights:聽The University of Oklahoma offers students a robust selection of 170+ academic programs with the ideal balance of a large research university’s resources and personalized attention (17:1 student-faculty ratio). OU excels in undergraduate research through its innovative Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA), established in 2022 as a centralized hub that awards 50 competitive summer fellowships annually and hosts the UReCA Showcase. This commitment to hands-on learning is complemented by global perspectives, with 25% of Sooners participating in international experiences.

Professional Outcomes: OU graduates launch successful careers quickly, with 79% of the Class of 2024 entering the workforce directly at top employers like Boeing, Paycom, and the U.S. Air Force, earning an average starting salary of $59,000. Other Sooners continue their education at prestigious institutions, including OU’s Health Sciences Center, SMU, and Oklahoma State’s Center for Health Sciences. These outcomes demonstrate OU’s dual strength in preparing students for immediate career success and advanced academic pursuits, particularly in Oklahoma’s key industries.

  • Enrollment: 22,025
  • Cost of Attendance: $30,486 (In-State); $47,556 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1220
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 75%

#13 for Zoology
Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University

  • Provo, UT

Academic Highlights: Required coursework for BYU undergraduates includes a number of courses in the Mormon faith as well as an extensive core curriculum that supports BYU鈥檚 larger mission 鈥渢o provide an education that is (1) spiritually strengthening, (2) intellectually enlarging, and (3) character building, leading to (4) lifelong learning and service.鈥澛 A 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio translates to some undergraduate sections being a bit large. However, those lecture hall courses are balanced with classes of more modest size; 46% of courses have nineteen or fewer students. The聽school does an excellent job getting undergraduate students involved in hands-on research.

Professional Outcomes: By a wide margin, the two largest employers of BYU alums are the university itself and Intermountain Healthcare. However, there are hundreds of Cougars working at major corporations including Deloitte, Raytheon Technologies, Goldman Sachs, and Amazon. The median salary of a 2023 grad was $64,000. Brigham Young is in the same league with Berkeley, Cornell, the University of Michigan, and the University of Wisconsin in terms of producing future PhDs. Over the past decade, more than 3,000 alumni have gone on to earn doctoral degrees.

  • Enrollment: 32,221
  • Cost of Attendance: $22,992
  • Median SAT: 1360
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%

#14 for Zoology
University of Georgia

University of Georgia

  • Athens, GA

Academic Highlights: UGA boasts seventeen distinct colleges and schools that offer 125+ majors. 49% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students compared with 12% of sections that enroll 50 or more. No matter your major, UGA encourages you to conduct research with a member of the school鈥檚 faculty. The Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) awards grants to 500 students per year, and in 2024, a robust 620+ students presented at the CURO Symposium. Meanwhile, the Office of Global Engagement helps 3,000 students annually find which of the 100+ study abroad programs (many of which are led by UGA faculty) is right for them

Professional Outcomes: 95% of the Class of 2023 was employed or continuing their education six months after graduation. Popular employers include Accenture, the CDC, Deloitte, KPMG, Lockheed Martin, PwC, and Bank of America. Salaries vary between colleges; however, the median hovers around 60k. In 2023, 23% of graduates enrolled directly into a graduate/professional degree program, with the most commonly attended schools including Duke, Emory, Georgetown, UNC Chapel Hill, and Vanderbilt.

  • Enrollment: 31,514
  • Cost of Attendance: $28,106 (In-State); $47,146 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 37%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 87%

#15 for Zoology
Arizona State University

Arizona State University

  • Tempe, AZ

Academic Highlights: All students must complete a minimum of twenty-nine credits in General Studies courses.聽 They must also meet requirements in three 鈥渁wareness areas鈥: Cultural Diversity in the United States, Global Awareness, and Historical Awareness. There are plenty of opportunities for experiential learning as close to half of undergrads engage in research, land an internship, or have a practicum experience as part of their academic program.

Professional Outcomes: A healthy 89% percent of ASU graduates looking for work are employed within six months of earning their degrees. The median salary for an ASU grad is roughly $55,000. Among the school鈥檚 top fifty employers are Starbucks, the U.S. Air Force, Amazon, and the Intel Corporation. Most graduates settle in the Greater Phoenix area, with Tempe, Phoenix, and Los Angeles rounding out the list of the top three cities where recent alumni can be found.

  • Enrollment: 65,174
  • Cost of Attendance: $33,270 (in-state); $53,412 (out-of-state)
  • Average SAT: 1248
  • Average ACT: 24
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%

#16 for Zoology
Eckerd College

Eckerd College

  • St. Petersburg, Florida

Academic Highlights: Eckerd College provides a distinctive liberal arts education through its 42 majors and 57 minors, distinguished as the #1 global producer of NOAA Hollings undergraduate scholars. With an intimate 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 19, students benefit from personalized mentorship while engaging with peers from all 50 states and 40 countries. The college’s exceptional global emphasis includes study abroad opportunities at 300+ destinations, complemented by robust internship programming, offering students over 200 academic credit-bearing internships to connect classroom learning with real-world experience.

Professional Outcomes: Eckerd graduates achieve strong career outcomes, with 75% employed within one year and 40% pursuing graduate degrees within five years. Alumni build careers with prominent employers, including Raymond James, NOAA, and BayCare Health System, while many contribute to Florida’s thriving Gulf Coast communities in Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg. These impressive results reflect Eckerd’s successful integration of its marine science leadership, global curriculum, and professional preparation.

  • Enrollment: 1,986
  • Cost of Attendance: $69,092
  • Median SAT: 1260
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%

#17 for Zoology
Indiana University

Indiana University

  • Bloomington, IL

Academic Highlights: IU offers 200+ majors The university鈥檚 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio is strong for a school of Indiana鈥檚 size, and it does make an effort to keep undergraduate classes on the small side. While there are a number of introductory courses that transpire in giant lecture halls, 35% of all sections contain no more than 19 students. Experiential learning opportunities are available to those who seize them; over one-quarter of arts and sciences students completed research with a faculty member. On the study abroad front, roughly the same percentage of A&S graduates spent a semester in a foreign country. In total, the school offers 380 programs in 70 countries and 20 languages.

Professional Outcomes: Class of 2023 grads reached their next employment or graduate school destination at a 92% rate within six months of receiving their degrees. The median starting salary for IU grads ranged between $54,000 and $60,000. Among the largest employers of Hoosier alumni are local pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, EY, Amazon, PwC, Salesforce, Deloitte, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, Accenture, and Google. Indianapolis, Chicago, Bloomington, and New York City are the locales where you can find the greatest concentration of Indiana graduates.

  • Enrollment: 36,833
  • Cost of Attendance: $28,900 (In-State); $57,592 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 81%

#18 for Zoology
Ohio Wesleyan University

Ohio Wesleyan University

  • Delaware, Ohio

Academic Highlights: Ohio Wesleyan University delivers a transformative liberal arts education through its innovative OWU Connection program, where students blend cross-disciplinary learning with global perspectives and real-world application. With 70+ majors, an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and an average class size of 18, OWU fosters intense intellectual engagement, evidenced by 27% of students pursuing double majors. The university’s diverse community, representing 40 states and 33 countries, creates a vibrant learning environment that extends beyond the classroom.

Professional Outcomes:聽OWU graduates achieve exceptional career success, with 97% employed, in graduate school, or pursuing meaningful gap year experiences shortly after graduation. An impressive 81% of employed alumni secured positions in their chosen fields with top employers like the Cleveland Clinic, JP Morgan Chase, and Nike. Others advance to prestigious graduate programs at Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, and Ohio State, demonstrating how OWU’s unique integration of interdisciplinary learning, global awareness, and practical application prepares graduates to excel in both immediate careers and long-term professional growth.

  • Enrollment: 1,452
  • Cost of Attendance: $69,383
  • Median SAT: 1220
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 51%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%

#19 for Zoology
University of Connecticut

University of Connecticut

  • Storrs, CT

Academic Highlights: UConn is home to fourteen schools and colleges as well as 115+ undergraduate majors. Overall, the school does a nice job creating a balance of classroom experiences with 51% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students and only 18% containing more than fifty. To help forge even deeper connections with faculty, the Office of Undergraduate Research encourages students to schedule advising sessions to apply for both internal and external research posts. Hundreds of study abroad options are on the table, and the university has taken steps to increase the rate of participation, which currently sits around 18%.

Professional Outcomes: 91% of the Class of 2023 experienced a positive outcome (job, grad school, military, volunteer position) within six months of earning their degrees. Among the 58% who found employment, the largest numbers landed at Travelers, Hartford Healthcare, The Hartford, General Dynamics, PwC, and Lockheed Martin; the median starting salary was $60,000. Massive numbers of alumni are employed by Pfizer, CVS Health, Deloitte, and Amazon. 33% of 2023 graduates immediately entered a graduate or professional program, with many choosing to stay at UConn.

  • Enrollment: 19,388
  • Cost of Attendance: $39,682 (In-State); $62,350 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%

#20 Best College for Zoology
Washington State University

Washington State University

  • Pullman, WA

Academic Highlights: Washington State University offers students exceptional academic flexibility with 103 majors and 71 minors, all supported by an outstanding 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This commitment to personalized education is reflected in class sizes, where 35% of courses maintain an intimate learning environment with 19 or fewer students, nearly double the number of large lectures (19% with 50+ students). Undergraduates can engage in meaningful research through the Research Scholars program starting as early as freshman year, while global opportunities abound with study abroad programs in 70 countries. WSU’s academic excellence is further validated by its faculty, which includes some of the world’s most influential researchers (top 1% of most-cited scholars).

Professional Outcomes: WSU graduates launch impressive careers with leading employers, including Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, along with regional powerhouses like Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Starbucks. The university’s career outcomes shine particularly bright in the long term, with alumni reaching an average mid-career salary of $124,000鈥攁 testament to the strong return on investment from a WSU degree.

  • Enrollment: 21,923
  • Cost of Attendance: $30,532 (In-State); $46,608 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1130
  • Median ACT: 23
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%

#21 for Zoology
Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University

  • Stillwater, Oklahoma

Academic Highlights: As Oklahoma’s flagship land-grant university, Oklahoma State University offers students exceptional academic breadth with 300+ undergraduate programs across seven colleges. The university’s distinction as Oklahoma’s first Truman Honor Institution and home to a top-100 research library underscores its academic excellence. With an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio and research opportunities through 30 specialized centers, OSU blends large-university resources with hands-on learning for a diverse student body representing all 50 states and 100+ countries.

Professional Outcomes: OSU graduates form the backbone of Oklahoma’s professional workforce, securing positions with leading employers like Paycom, Phillips 66, and ONEOK. Alumni predominantly build their careers in the state’s key economic hubs, the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metropolitan areas, while others contribute to the vibrant Stillwater community. These outcomes demonstrate how OSU fulfills its land-grant mission by preparing graduates who drive innovation in Oklahoma’s various sectors while maintaining strong ties to their alma mater.

  • Enrollment: 21,354
  • Cost of Attendance: $28,234 (In-State); $43,754 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1130
  • Median ACT: 23
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%

#22 for Zoology
Miami University – Oxford

Miami University – Oxford

  • Oxford, OH

Academic Highlights: A freshman retention rate of 90% is excellent for a public university, and the strength of undergraduate teaching gets high marks. In part, this is made possible by a reasonable 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Each year, more than 2,800 undergrads work with professors on research, and some become coauthors of academic papers and/or find themselves presenting at academic conferences. The school also ranks in the top five among public institutions for the percent of students who elect to study abroad; a phenomenal 55% of undergrads elect to study away from Oxford.

Professional Outcomes: The overall success rate for the Class of 2023 was 99%, roughly the same as for the previous two cohorts. Fifty-five percent of recent Miami grads were employed and by mid-career, alumni enjoy a median salary of $132k. Staying in Ohio is a common postgraduate choice with 46% of grads doing so, but Chicago; New York City; Washington, DC; and Denver are also popular landing spots. The companies attracting the greatest number of RedHawk alumni are Procter & Gamble, EY, Fifth Third Bank, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, PNC, PwC, and Amazon.

  • Enrollment: 16,478
  • Cost of Attendance: $38,757 (In-State); $60,973 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%

#23 for Zoology
Ohio University

Ohio University

  • Athens, OH

Academic Highlights: There are 250+ programs at OU across 10 colleges and schools. Slightly less than one-third of all class sections contain fewer than 20 students and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1.聽 Programs such as the Honors Tutorial College require students to complete original research theses, while departmental honors programs involve thesis projects and presentations at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Expo. The public institution also gets high grades for overall value, as it has not increased tuition in four years.

Professional Outcomes: Hundreds of Ohio University graduates are currently employed at companies such as Cardinal Health, Sherwin-Williams, Amazon, Deloitte, EY, Microsoft, and Google. The average graduate earns a salary of around $59k. Many alums stay in Ohio after graduation, with Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati proving most popular with Bobcats. Sixteen percent of recent graduates enrolled in an advanced degree program.

  • Enrollment: 19,100
  • Cost of Attendance: $31,096 (In-State); $41,464 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1190
  • Median ACT: 25
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%

#24 for Zoology
University of Wyoming

University of Wyoming

  • Laramie, WY

Academic Highlights: The University of Wyoming provides a comprehensive public university experience through its nine colleges, offering 85 undergraduate majors and interdisciplinary programs to a diverse student body representing all 50 states and 82 countries. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 42% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students, UW combines the resources of a research institution with personalized attention.

Professional Outcomes: UW graduates achieve solid career outcomes, with 72% of recent alumni finding success through employment (53%), graduate education (17%), or military/service (2%). The university serves as a vital talent pipeline for Wyoming’s key institutions, including Laramie County School District and Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, while also placing graduates with federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service. For those pursuing advanced degrees, UW alumni gain admission to prestigious programs at Harvard, Stanford, and Duke, among others. With a median early career salary of $50,000, graduates demonstrate the strong return on investment of a UW education.

  • Enrollment: 8,250
  • Cost of Attendance: $25,868 (In-State); $41,648 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1160
  • Median ACT: 24
  • Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 60%

#25 for Zoology
University of Maine

University of Maine

  • Orono, ME

Academic Highlights: The University of Maine offers the state鈥檚 most comprehensive academic portfolio with 100+ degree programs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across fields. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 and 40% of undergraduate courses enrolling fewer than 20 students, learners benefit from both the resources of a large public university and personalized attention. The campus attracts a diverse community representing all 50 states and 81 countries, enriching the academic experience. UMaine stands out for its robust undergraduate research opportunities, anchored by specialized facilities like the Marine Sciences Center in Walpole and supported by 16 interdisciplinary research institutes, giving students hands-on experience at the frontiers of their fields.

Professional Outcomes: UMaine graduates achieve remarkable career success, with 94% securing employment or continuing education within six months of graduation. The Class of 2024 reported a median starting salary of $52,000, with 83% landing positions directly related to their majors鈥攁 testament to UMaine鈥檚 career-aligned curriculum. Notably, 64% gained professional experience through internships, while 79% of graduates chose to build their careers in Maine, contributing to the state鈥檚 workforce and economy. These outcomes reflect UMaine鈥檚 strong regional connections and commitment to preparing students for meaningful, impactful careers.

  • Enrollment: 9,267
  • Cost of Attendance: $28,572 (In-State); $51,312 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1200
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%

We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges for Zoology to be useful. We also encourage you to check out our other resources and tools as you continue with your college search: