Animal Sciences at Stautzenberger College-Maumee

Here's a puzzling data point: Stautzenberger-Maumee's Animal Sciences certificate ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings, yet those earnings sit at just $20,690—barely above minimum wage. This happens because animal sciences certificates rarely lead to high-paying work anywhere in the country. The program does stand out for remarkably low debt ($17,480), keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, which is unusual for programs in this field. With 75% of students receiving Pell grants, the institution clearly serves students with limited financial resources.

The real question is whether any certificate program makes sense when it leads to earnings this low. While this program performs better than most animal sciences certificates nationally, it's essentially "best in a weak class." At $20,690, graduates are earning roughly what they could make in entry-level retail or food service positions—without taking on nearly $17,500 in debt. Among Ohio's three animal sciences certificate programs, this one sits in the middle, offering no particular geographic advantage.

If your child is passionate about working with animals, they need to understand that this certificate alone won't lead to financial independence. It might serve as a stepping stone toward veterinary technician licensure or other credentials, but as a standalone qualification, it's a significant investment for minimal earning power. Consider whether that $17,480 could be better spent on programs with clearer career paths, or whether gaining experience through direct employment might be the smarter route.