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%

Program Analysis

Iowa State's reputation in agriculture isn't just regional; it's global. You’re not just studying in farm country; you're at the epicenter of the modern agribusiness industry. The strong earnings reflect direct pipelines to major employers like Tyson Foods, Cargill, and leading animal pharmaceutical companies that actively recruit on campus for roles in genetics, nutrition, and production management. These corporate paths often offer more stability and higher starting pay than traditional farm work. While AI is changing herd management and data analysis, your hands-on experience from ISU’s teaching farms will remain critical. To maximize your value, focus on internships that blend animal care with business or data analytics. This combination will make you a prime candidate for leadership roles that technology can augment but never fully replace, ensuring your skills remain in high demand.

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

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

Animal Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Iowa State 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 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 →