DegreeCalc

Animal Science Major — Salary & ROI 2026

Study of domesticated animal biology, nutrition, genetics, and management.

Starting Salary

$42K

median

Mid-Career

$62K

salary

ROI Payback

5 yrs

avg payback

Unemployment

3.5%

rate

Animal Science Overview

Study of domesticated animal biology, nutrition, genetics, and management.

Category

Agriculture

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Graduation Rate

65%

Enrollment Trend

stable

Online Available

Limited

Underemployment

22%

Lifetime Premium

$350K

Female Graduates

65%

Animal Science Degree ROI Calculator

Estimate your actual return on investment based on school type and scholarships.

0 to $40K/year in aid

Est. Total Cost

$13,500

4-year tuition

Net Cost (w/ aid)

$13,500

after scholarships

ROI Payback

2 years

to break even

Lifetime Return

$336,500

Lifetime earnings premium ($350,000) minus net degree cost ($13,500)

Animal Science Salary Progression

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)$42,000
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)$62,000
Late Career (15+ yrs)$78,000

Common Animal Science Careers

Animal Scientist

Livestock Manager

Pharmaceutical Sales Rep

Top Employers

USDAZoetisPurinaVeterinary ClinicsResearch Labs

Skills You'll Learn

Animal NutritionGeneticsLivestock ManagementLab Techniques

Top Schools for Animal Science

#1

UC Davis

#2

Cornell

#3

Texas A&M

#4

Colorado State

#5

Penn State

Animal Science Degree FAQ

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