Analysis
Minnesota-Crookston's Animal Sciences graduates start at $35,072, placing them above both the national and Minnesota medians for this field—a solid outcome for a program at a regional campus. More importantly, earnings climb 26% by year four to reach $44,237, suggesting graduates build valuable skills that translate into career advancement. The $21,500 in typical debt is actually lower than Minnesota's median for animal sciences programs, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 that should be repayable within a reasonable timeframe.
The caveat here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, individual outcomes can swing the numbers. However, the program's position in the 60th percentile among Minnesota animal sciences programs—despite being the state's less prominent campus—suggests consistent quality. These graduates appear to be landing in the same agricultural and veterinary support roles as their Twin Cities counterparts, but with less debt burden.
For families considering this program, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings growth makes it a practical choice. The regional location likely connects students directly to Minnesota's agricultural employers, and the manageable debt load means graduates won't be forced into high-paying positions they don't want just to service loans.
Where University of Minnesota-Crookston Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all animal sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Minnesota-Crookston 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 Minnesota-Crookston | $35,072 | $44,237 | +26% |
| 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 in Minnesota
Animal Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Minnesota-CrookstonCrookston | $13,120 | $35,072 | $44,237 | $21,500 | 0.61 |
 University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis | $16,488 | $34,073 | $50,159 | $19,500 | 0.57 |
| 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 Minnesota-Crookston, approximately 19% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.