Analysis
A highly selective university doesn't always guarantee strong early earnings, and this program illustrates why fit matters more than prestige. Despite UIUC's competitive admissions (SAT averaging 1418), Animal Sciences graduates start at just $30,187—landing below the 25th percentile nationally and barely at the Illinois median. That $19,850 in debt isn't catastrophic, but when paired with starting earnings this low, it means graduates are treading water financially in those crucial first years.
The encouraging news is the trajectory: earnings jump 32% by year four, reaching nearly $40,000. That's solid growth, though still modest in absolute terms compared to other UIUC programs. For context, Southern Illinois Carbondale's Animal Sciences graduates actually earn slightly more initially ($30,706), which should prompt serious questions about whether the UIUC premium is worth it for this particular major. The moderate sample size suggests these numbers are reasonably stable, not just statistical noise.
If your child is genuinely passionate about animal sciences and understands they're choosing career fulfillment over financial outcomes, this program can work—especially given the improving earnings trend. But families banking on the UIUC name to deliver typical UIUC-level returns will be disappointed. This is a field where career paths matter more than institutional prestige, and starting salaries won't support aggressive loan repayment.
Where University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all animal sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $30,187 | $39,967 | +32% |
| 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% |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $30,706 | $36,249 | +18% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Animal Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $30,187 | $39,967 | $19,850 | 0.66 |
 Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale | $13,244 | $30,706 | $36,249 | $21,936 | 0.71 |
| 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign, approximately 24% 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 89 graduates with reported earnings and 125 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.