Animal Sciences at University of Florida

University of Florida graduates with Animal Sciences degrees face a challenging immediate return on investment, earning just $31,294 in their first year—below the national median of $34,073 and placing them in the 27th percentile nationally. However, the debt picture offers a significant silver lining: at $16,475, graduates owe roughly $6,000 less than the national median, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53. This is particularly notable given UF's 24% admission rate and strong academic profile.

The state context matters here, though it's limited—UF is the only school in Florida offering this bachelor's program, making it simultaneously the median and the best option for in-state students interested in animal sciences. Earnings do improve meaningfully over time, growing 21% to nearly $38,000 by year four, which suggests graduates are building toward viable careers rather than hitting an early ceiling.

For families considering this path, understand that animal sciences typically isn't a high-earning field immediately after graduation, regardless of where you study. What UF offers is access to this career track at a relatively modest debt load. If your child is committed to working with animals and values UF's strong research programs and connections in Florida's agricultural industry, the lower debt burden makes this a reasonable choice—just ensure they're prepared for entry-level salaries that will require careful budgeting in those first few years.