Best colleges for Zoology/Animal Biology in North Carolina
Ranked by graduate earnings
North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Lees-McRae College and Davidson-Davie Community College are the top Zoology/Animal Biology programs in North Carolina by graduate earnings. North Carolina State University at Raleigh leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $25,069, College Scorecard. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Lees-McRae College and Davidson-Davie Community College award the most Zoology/Animal Biology degrees and certificates in North Carolina: 78, 57 and 22 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 4 North Carolina colleges offer Zoology/Animal Biology and award 168 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Zoology/Animal Biology program focuses on the scientific study of animals, encompassing their structure, classification, behavior, and interactions within ecosystems. This program is ideal for students passionate about understanding…
Top 3 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh Public · Bachelor's degree | $25,069 | 78 | 85% | — | $21,500 |
| 2 | Lees-McRae College Banner Elk Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $24,921 | 57 | 42% | $23,349 | $24,120 |
| 3 | Davidson-Davie Community College Thomasville Public · Associate degree | $23,733 | 22 | 46% | — | — |
Colleges awarding the most Zoology/Animal Biology degrees in North Carolina
Top 4 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh Public | 78 | $25,069 |
| 2 | Lees-McRae College Banner Elk Private not-for-profit | 57 | $24,921 |
| 3 | Davidson-Davie Community College Thomasville Public | 22 | $23,733 |
| 4 | Mars Hill University Mars Hill Private not-for-profit | 11 | Not reported |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (SOC 19-1023).
Top skills
What Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists earn in North Carolina
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Zoology/Animal Biology programs in North Carolina.
Which North Carolina colleges award the most Zoology/Animal Biology degrees?+
North Carolina State University at Raleigh (78 graduates a year), Lees-McRae College (57 graduates a year) and Davidson-Davie Community College (22 graduates a year) award the most Zoology/Animal Biology degrees and certificates in North Carolina, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 4 North Carolina colleges offer Zoology/Animal Biology.
What is the best college for Zoology/Animal Biology in North Carolina?+
By graduate earnings, North Carolina State University at Raleigh leads among Zoology/Animal Biology programs in North Carolina, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $25,069, College Scorecard. Lees-McRae College and Davidson-Davie Community College follow. By degrees awarded, North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the largest, with 78 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Zoology/Animal Biology program in North Carolina has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, North Carolina State University at Raleigh tops the list at $25,069. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists earn in North Carolina?+
The average annual wage for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in North Carolina is $75,060 (median $64,620), across about 350 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Zoology/Animal Biology program?+
The Zoology/Animal Biology program focuses on the scientific study of animals, encompassing their structure, classification, behavior, and interactions within ecosystems. This program is ideal for students passionate about understanding…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists?+
The national job outlook is about +1.6% growth with around 1,400 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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