Analysis
Ohio State's Animal Sciences associate's degree shows impressive national performance, ranking in the 95th percentile with first-year earnings of $39,743—well above the national median of $32,687. The $12,000 in median debt translates to a comfortable 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio, and graduates see solid 13% earnings growth by year four. These are objectively strong numbers for a two-year program.
However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures may not represent typical outcomes. With only three Ohio schools offering this program and limited graduates tracked, it's hard to know if these results are reliable or if they reflect a few exceptional career paths. The 60th percentile ranking within Ohio suggests this program performs merely average compared to in-state alternatives, though the raw numbers remain solid regardless.
For parents considering this path, the low debt burden is the real advantage—your child could test out animal sciences with minimal financial risk. The earnings are respectable for an associate's degree, though families should verify whether these outcomes align with their student's specific career goals. Given the uncertainty around sample size, treat this as a potentially strong option worth investigating further rather than a guaranteed win.
Where Ohio State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all animal sciences associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Ohio 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $39,743 | $45,051 | +13% |
| Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute | $39,743 | $45,051 | +13% |
| Northeast Community College | $35,931 | $40,193 | +12% |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | $29,443 | $35,097 | +19% |
| Santa Fe College | $24,833 | $31,074 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Animal Sciences associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (3 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus | $12,859 | $39,743 | $45,051 | $12,000 | 0.30 |
 Ohio State University Agricultural Technical InstituteWooster | $9,310 | $39,743 | $45,051 | $12,000 | 0.30 |
| National Median | — | $32,687 | — | $12,000 | 0.37 |
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
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 Ohio 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 27 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.