Animal Sciences at University of Wisconsin-River Falls

UW-River Falls animal sciences graduates start at $37,852—just above the national median but trailing significantly behind Wisconsin's other programs. While this places the program in the 76th percentile nationally, it falls to the 40th percentile statewide, earning about $7,000 less than UW-Madison and UW-Platteville graduates in their first year. The good news: earnings climb 16% to $44,011 by year four, essentially catching up to the state median. With debt around $23,000, graduates face manageable monthly payments that shouldn't overwhelm their budgets.

The value calculation here depends on your child's goals. If they're committed to animal sciences and Wisconsin is home, this is a solid middle-ground option—less selective than Madison but delivering respectable outcomes. The 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests reasonable affordability, and the steady income growth indicates this degree opens doors to career advancement. However, families should note that starting salaries in animal sciences generally remain modest regardless of school, so students planning advanced degrees in veterinary medicine or research might prioritize undergraduate costs over prestige.

For students planning to work immediately after graduation in livestock management, dairy operations, or related agricultural fields, UW-River Falls provides adequate preparation at a fair price. Just understand you're choosing a program that gets you into the game without necessarily putting you ahead of the pack.