Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
Analysis
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.
Where North Dakota State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all animal sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How North Dakota State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $39,290 | $47,576 | +21% |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | $40,008 | $56,557 | +41% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $33,879 | $52,909 | +56% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $35,582 | $50,777 | +43% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $34,073 | $50,159 | +47% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Animal Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo | $10,857 | $39,290 | $47,576 | $23,625 | 0.60 |
 University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville | $8,315 | $44,956 | $42,444 | $20,875 | 0.46 |
 South Dakota State UniversityBrookings | $9,299 | $44,844 | $47,937 | $23,162 | 0.52 |
 University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison | $11,205 | $44,354 | $48,199 | $26,000 | 0.59 |
 Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State | $9,815 | $41,464 | $48,123 | $20,938 | 0.50 |
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $41,292 | $46,475 | $26,000 | 0.63 |
| National Median | — | $34,073 | — | $22,148 | 0.65 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with animal sciences graduates
Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Animal Scientists
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Farm and Home Management Educators
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
Explore Related Programs
Explore further
- All Programs in crop science, animal science, agricultural business, horticulture, and food science. Covers modern farming, sustainable agriculture, agribusiness management, and food production. programs nationwide
- All programs at North Dakota State University-Main Campus
- College programs in North Dakota
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At North Dakota State University-Main Campus, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 62 graduates with reported earnings and 72 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.