Animal Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers-New Brunswick's Animal Sciences program lands squarely in the middle of the pack nationally, but that tells only part of the story. Graduates earn $33,926 in their first year—essentially matching the national median—while carrying $25,169 in debt. That 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio is actually favorable compared to many bachelor's programs, and the debt burden sits well below what most Animal Sciences programs nationwide require. Within New Jersey, this program performs in the 60th percentile for earnings, though it's worth noting Rutgers is the only in-state option for this major.

The trajectory shows modest but steady growth: earnings increase 7% to $36,143 by year four. For context, that fourth-year figure trails the national 75th percentile by only about $1,500. Animal Sciences isn't typically a lucrative field immediately after graduation—this is a sector where many graduates pursue veterinary school, research positions, or agricultural management roles that develop over time. The relatively low debt load here matters considerably, as it preserves flexibility for graduates considering graduate school or entry-level positions in animal care and agriculture.

For parents, the key question is whether their student has clear career goals in this field. The numbers work if this aligns with genuine interest in veterinary medicine, animal research, or agricultural science—the manageable debt won't constrain future choices. If it's a general "I like animals" major without specific direction, that $36,000 salary might feel limiting given the investment.