Animal Sciences at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Animal Sciences program produces starting salaries below the national median but performs reasonably well within Illinois, placing in the 60th percentile statewide. First-year graduates earn $30,706, about $3,400 less than the national benchmark but slightly above Illinois's state median. However, context matters: with only two schools offering this program in Illinois, and UIUC—the state's flagship—posting similar starting earnings, SIU-Carbondale holds its own regionally despite its more accessible admissions profile.

The financial picture is manageable. With median debt of $21,936 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71, graduates face roughly eight months of their first-year salary in student loans—better than many programs and in line with national animal sciences norms. Earnings growth of 18% over four years to $36,249 shows steady career progression, even if it doesn't dramatically close the gap with higher-earning programs.

The challenge is that animal sciences careers often require graduate degrees for advancement, and these starting salaries reflect that reality. This program works best for students committed to the field who understand they may need additional education, plan to work in the Midwest where cost of living is lower, or have career paths (veterinary school, agricultural business) where the bachelor's degree is just the foundation. For families prioritizing immediate return on investment, the below-national earnings warrant careful consideration of career goals.