Animal Sciences at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,204/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Large (99,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #79 of 81 Animal Sciences programs

Program Analysis

While the Ivy League name opens doors, your path after studying Animal Sciences at Cornell is uniquely practical. The program is part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, New York's land-grant institution, which means it’s deeply connected to the state's massive dairy and agricultural industries. This creates a powerful pipeline into management roles at major food producers like Cargill or Chobani, as well as into crucial research and extension work that supports the region's economy. Many graduates pursue veterinary or other advanced degrees, which delays peak earnings but leads to high-paying, specialized careers. The moderate initial salary figures reflect these diverse outcomes—some grads go straight into hands-on farm management, while others enter long-term academic tracks. To maximize your investment, actively use the deep alumni network in agribusiness leadership from day one; it's one of the program's most valuable, unlisted assets.

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 $523K $520K $484K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,056
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$129,348
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,730
4.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,670
43% growth from Year 1

About Cornell University

Cornell University's 8% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 15,935 students in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $129,348 over four years — 51% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell University →

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 Cornell University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cornell University's Animal Sciences program score?
This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for Animal Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Animal Sciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Animal Sciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 42% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Animal Sciences at Cornell University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $264,056, but the average net cost is $129,348 — a 51% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →