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Animal Sciences programs deliver remarkable value at several public universities, with graduates earning between $16,478 and $32,925 annually despite net costs as low as $6,199. Eastern New Mexico University leads affordability at just $6,199 net price while producing graduates who earn $32,569, creating an strong return on investment. The University of Florida combines low cost ($6,351) with outstanding outcomes, achieving a 91.5% graduation rate that far exceeds the national average. These programs prepare students for careers in livestock production, veterinary support, and agricultural research across regions where ranching and farming drive local economies. Texas alone hosts multiple affordable options, reflecting the state's position as the nation's leading cattle producer with over 4.5 million head. Students can choose between highly selective programs like College of the Ozarks (21% acceptance rate) or open-access options at California State University-Fresno (95% acceptance rate), both offering strong career preparation in animal agriculture, nutrition science, and livestock management.
50
Programs
$6,199 – $16,438
Net Price Range
$28,954
Avg. Program Earnings
58.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Animal Sciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
2 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
3 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
4 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
5 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
6 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
7 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
8 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
9 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
10 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
11 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
12 $10,991 $7,592 27.4% 97.1%
13 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
14 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
15 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
16 $11,609 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
17 $11,779 $6,938 59.8% 96.0%
18 $12,209 $10,125 57.6% 62.4%
19 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
20 $12,684 $5,274 47.0% 54.4%
21 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
22 $12,915 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
23 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
24 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
25 $13,181 $12,186 62.6% 72.8%
26 $13,339 $17,452 65.4% 97.3%
27 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
28 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
29 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
30 $14,041 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
31 $14,059 $17,472 56.9% 92.2%
32 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
33 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
34 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
35 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
36 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
37 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
38 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
39 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
40 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
41 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
42 $15,501 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
43 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
44 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
45 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
46 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
47 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
48 $16,334 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
49 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
50 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Florida such good value for Animal Sciences?

The University of Florida offers strong value with a net cost of just $6,351 and graduates earning $29,413 annually. The program maintains a 91.5% graduation rate, significantly higher than most affordable options. Students graduate with only $15,000 in average debt while gaining access to Florida's large agricultural sector and veterinary industry.

How do earnings vary across these affordable Animal Sciences programs?

Graduate earnings range from $16,478 to $32,925, with Texas A&M Kingsville leading at $32,925 despite a net cost of $10,204. Eastern New Mexico University graduates earn $32,569 at the lowest net price of $6,199. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona produces graduates earning $31,081 with strong job placement in California's agricultural industry.

Is College of the Ozarks worth its selective admission process?

College of the Ozarks accepts only 21% of applicants but offers significant value with a $7,669 net cost and $27,488 graduate earnings. The 61.3% graduation rate exceeds many public alternatives in this price range. The college's work-study program helps students graduate debt-free while gaining practical experience in animal husbandry and agricultural operations.

Does Texas offer multiple affordable Animal Sciences options?

Texas provides three programs under $12,000: A&M Kingsville ($10,204), A&M Commerce ($11,268), and Sul Ross State ($10,991). A&M Kingsville graduates earn the highest salaries at $32,925, while Sul Ross State serves rural West Texas with specialized ranch management training. These programs serve the state's massive livestock industry, which leads the nation in cattle production.

Where can students find the lowest debt loads in Animal Sciences?

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona graduates carry just $15,167 in average debt, matching the University of Florida's $15,000 average. Brigham Young University-Idaho offers debt averaging $16,032 with strong job placement in agricultural regions. These low debt levels help graduates enter careers in livestock management, feed science, and agricultural research without financial strain.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.