Animal Sciences (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Wyoming

Median Earnings (1yr)

$34,875

56th percentile

Median Debt

$23,250

5% above national median

Analysis

University of Wyoming's Animal Sciences program sits squarely in the middle of the national pack, with first-year earnings of $34,875 barely exceeding the national median. That 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable—graduates owe less than they earn in their first year—but this isn't a financial home run. With debt in the 31st percentile nationally, students here borrow less than most peers, which partially offsets the modest starting salary.

The real limitation is the ceiling: even the top 25% of Animal Sciences programs nationally only reach $37,712 in first-year earnings. This is a field where passion matters more than paycheck, and the numbers reflect that reality. Wyoming's program performs slightly better than the national average (56th percentile), but that's splitting hairs when the field itself pays modestly across the board.

For families comfortable with their student pursuing animal agriculture or veterinary preparation—common career paths from this degree—the financial picture here is manageable. The debt burden won't be crushing, and Wyoming's 97% admission rate means access isn't a barrier. Just understand that this degree is a stepping stone toward graduate school or hands-on agricultural work, not a direct path to financial security in year one.

Where University of Wyoming Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all animal sciences bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wyoming graduates compare to all programs nationally

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 WyomingLaramie	$6,938	$34,875	—	$23,250	0.67
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

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

$87,980/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Animal Scientists

Conduct research in the genetics, nutrition, reproduction, growth, and development of domestic farm animals.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Agricultural Technicians

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Precision Agriculture Technicians

Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related 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 Wyoming, approximately 22% 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 46 graduates with reported earnings and 51 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.