Analysis
The University of Arizona's Animal Sciences program sits comfortably above the national median for earnings—at $36,000 first year versus $34,000 nationally—and graduates carry notably less debt than typical ($18,195 versus $22,148). While these numbers place graduates at the 63rd percentile nationally, there's a significant catch: only one school in Arizona reports data for this program, making the 60th state percentile less meaningful. The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means these figures could shift considerably in either direction.
The debt-to-earnings picture is reasonable at 0.51, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary. More encouraging is the 23% earnings bump by year four, reaching $44,164—solid growth for an animal sciences degree. However, parents should understand this isn't a high-earning field overall. Even with above-average outcomes, graduates start below $36,000 annually.
For students genuinely passionate about working with animals, this program delivers competitive preparation without crushing debt. The manageable loan burden gives graduates breathing room to pursue lower-paying but meaningful work in veterinary clinics, ranches, or conservation—common career paths in this field. Just remember these numbers represent a very small group, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual.
Where University of Arizona Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all animal sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Arizona 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | $35,996 | $44,164 | +23% |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | $40,008 | $56,557 | +41% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $33,879 | $52,909 | +56% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $35,582 | $50,777 | +43% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $34,073 | $50,159 | +47% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Animal Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of ArizonaTucson | $13,626 | $35,996 | $44,164 | $18,195 | 0.51 |
 University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville | $8,315 | $44,956 | $42,444 | $20,875 | 0.46 |
 South Dakota State UniversityBrookings | $9,299 | $44,844 | $47,937 | $23,162 | 0.52 |
 University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison | $11,205 | $44,354 | $48,199 | $26,000 | 0.59 |
 Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State | $9,815 | $41,464 | $48,123 | $20,938 | 0.50 |
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $41,292 | $46,475 | $26,000 | 0.63 |
| 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 University of Arizona, approximately 26% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.