Animal Sciences at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

North Dakota State's Animal Sciences program delivers earnings that outperform most peer programs nationally, with graduates earning $39,290 in their first year—$5,000 more than the national median and placing this program in the 89th percentile. The 21% earnings growth to $47,576 by year four suggests solid career trajectory, and the debt load of $23,625 translates to a manageable 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio. This is a program where graduates can realistically handle their student loans.

What makes this particularly attractive is the combination of strong outcomes with accessibility—NDSU's 96% admission rate means this level of performance isn't reserved for ultra-selective admissions. The only note of caution: this is the sole Animal Sciences bachelor's program in North Dakota, so there's no in-state competition for comparison. The 60th percentile state ranking appears to reflect this limitation in the dataset rather than meaningful differentiation.

For families considering an Animal Sciences degree, this program offers a clear value proposition. Your child would graduate with below-national-average debt while earning well above the national median, and the career growth pattern indicates the field rewards experience. If your student is committed to working with livestock or in agricultural sciences, NDSU provides strong professional preparation without the financial burden that plagues many bachelor's programs.