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Animal Sciences at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
48
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,567/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Large (99,000 openings/yr)
ROI 12.8x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 81 Animal Sciences programs Top 10%

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 $544K $538K $498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.9x 12.8x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 4.9x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 49 48 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,971
41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Iowa State University's Animal Sciences graduates start at $39,567/yr — above the $33,901 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 12.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 42% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,500 debt-to-$39,567 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

A #8 ranking out of 81 Animal Sciences programs nationally puts Iowa State University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $39,567 to $55,971 shows 41% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Iowa State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Iowa State University is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 25,033 in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State 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

Compare this program → View all 81 schools offering Animal Sciences →

Animal Sciences at Other Schools

University of Wisconsin-Platteville ($44,956) South Dakota State University ($44,844) University of Wisconsin-Madison ($44,354) Mississippi State University ($41,464) Michigan State University ($41,292) University of Delaware ($40,317) California State University-Fresno ($40,311) University of Maryland-College Park ($40,209)

Other Majors at Iowa State University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,913) Computer Engineering ($79,182) Computer Science ($78,517) Construction Engineering ($77,845) Chemical Engineering ($76,184) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($75,036) Industrial Engineering ($74,310) Mechanical Engineering ($72,900)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Animal Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Iowa State University's Animal Sciences program score?
This program scores 48/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →