Animal Sciences at California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
54
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,311/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Large (99,000 openings/yr)
ROI 19.8x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 81 Animal Sciences programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

Fresno State’s strength comes from its deep roots in California’s Central Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions on earth. You won't just be studying theory; you'll be immersed in the industry itself. The university operates its own farm laboratory, giving you direct, hands-on experience with livestock and food production that employers value. This practical focus creates a direct pipeline to careers with major regional players in dairy, beef, and poultry, from large-scale farm management to food processing with companies like Foster Farms or Cargill. The high automation risk in this field makes those hands-on management and scientific skills even more critical. To maximize your advantage, aggressively pursue internships with local agribusinesses; your practical experience, combined with the university's strong regional reputation, will be your most valuable asset upon graduation.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Animal Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $559K $553K $509K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.0x 19.8x 18.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.3x 6.8x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 54 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,920
Out-of-state: $75,440 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$25,920
7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,619
45% growth from Year 1

About California State University-Fresno

California State University-Fresno has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 21,070 in Fresno, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 56% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Fresno →

Top Career Paths

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980/yr
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350/yr
Animal scientists $79,120/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Animal Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Fresno

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Animal Sciences at California State University-Fresno?
At 54/100, California State University-Fresno's Animal Sciences program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Animal Sciences at California State University-Fresno?
The 42% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State University-Fresno one of the best schools for Animal Sciences?
Among 81 Animal Sciences programs, California State University-Fresno's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →