Animal Sciences at Washington State University

Washington State University's Animal Sciences program starts graduates at $31,911—below the national median but actually performing at the 60th percentile among Washington programs. The real concern isn't how it compares to other schools, but the trajectory: even four years out, graduates earn just $34,686. That's modest pay for a bachelor's degree, though the 9% earnings growth at least shows movement in the right direction rather than stagnation.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $19,545, graduates borrow about $2,600 less than the national median for animal sciences programs, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61. With WSU's relatively accessible admission rate (85%) and reasonable borrowing levels, students aren't taking on crushing debt for these career outcomes. Still, parents should understand that animal sciences careers—whether in livestock management, feed production, or veterinary support—typically don't command high salaries early on.

The investment makes more sense if your child has clear career goals in agriculture, veterinary medicine, or animal research where passion and mission matter as much as pay. For families prioritizing earnings potential, however, this program's below-average starting salary and modest four-year outcomes suggest exploring alternatives unless working with animals is truly the calling.