Animal Sciences at Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

Ohio State ATI's Animal Sciences associate degree punches well above the national average, with first-year earnings of $39,743 placing it in the 95th percentile nationally—about $7,000 higher than what most programs deliver. The $12,000 median debt is manageable enough that graduates could reasonably pay it off within a year, creating a strong foundation for those entering veterinary support roles, farm management, or livestock operations.

The catch? This program sits at just the 60th percentile within Ohio, which initially seems puzzling for such strong absolute numbers. However, with only three schools offering this associate's degree in the state, that middle ranking simply reflects limited competition rather than any weakness. More concerning is the small sample size (under 30 graduates), which means these figures could shift significantly year to year. If your child is one of three graduates in a given cohort versus twenty, individual outcomes can dramatically sway the averages.

For families whose children are genuinely passionate about working with livestock or in agricultural science, the math works. Earnings grow steadily to $45,051 by year four, and the debt load won't handicap your child's ability to pursue further education or entrepreneurial ventures in agriculture. Just recognize that "Animal Sciences" is a specific career path—this isn't general biology with broad applications. If your child wants veterinary school, they'll likely need a bachelor's degree. But for hands-on agricultural work, this offers solid financial footing with minimal debt burden.