Analysis
Stephen F. Austin's Animal Sciences program sits in an interesting middle ground: it underperforms nationally but actually exceeds the Texas state median for this major. Graduates earn $31,059 initially, which places them above the typical Texas animal sciences graduate ($30,877) but below the national benchmark ($34,073). With debt of $21,739—roughly on par with both state and national averages—the program offers a 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable but not impressive.
The 13% earnings growth to $35,170 by year four is solid, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions about consistency. For context, this program can't compete with Texas A&M's agricultural powerhouse but performs comparably to regional alternatives like Tarleton State. If your child is committed to staying in Texas and working with animals, SFA provides reasonable preparation without crushing debt.
The real question is career trajectory: animal sciences careers often require additional credentials (veterinary school, graduate work) or pivot into related fields like agricultural business. At this earnings level, graduates have flexibility to pursue further education without being buried in undergraduate debt, which may be the program's strongest practical advantage.
Where Stephen F Austin State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all animal sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Stephen F Austin State University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen F Austin State University | $31,059 | $35,170 | +13% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $35,582 | $50,777 | +43% |
| Texas Tech University | $34,933 | $45,763 | +31% |
| Texas State University | $33,358 | $40,091 | +20% |
| Tarleton State University | $30,695 | $39,740 | +29% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Animal Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Stephen F Austin State UniversityNacogdoches | $10,600 | $31,059 | $35,170 | $21,739 | 0.70 |
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $35,582 | $50,777 | $18,906 | 0.53 |
 Texas Tech UniversityLubbock | $11,852 | $34,933 | $45,763 | $21,369 | 0.61 |
 Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville | $9,228 | $34,051 | $39,422 | $21,745 | 0.64 |
 Texas State UniversitySan Marcos | $11,450 | $33,358 | $40,091 | $21,662 | 0.65 |
 Tarleton State UniversityStephenville | $7,878 | $30,695 | $39,740 | $21,638 | 0.70 |
| National Median | — | $34,073 | — | $22,148 | 0.65 |
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 Stephen F Austin State University, approximately 37% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.