Animal Sciences at Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,958/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Large (99,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.7x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #80 of 81 Animal Sciences programs

Program Analysis

While this degree provides a strong, hands-on education in animal husbandry and agricultural management, the financial outcomes reflect the realities of the regional economy. Graduates often find careers directly supporting Louisiana's vital poultry, cattle, and aquaculture industries, but these roles are typically with smaller family farms or regional producers, not the large corporate R&D centers that drive up salaries elsewhere. The career paths here are often more a way of life than a high-powered corporate track. That passion is essential, because many roles involve long hours and physical labor for modest starting pay. To maximize your investment, you must aggressively pursue internships outside the immediate area, perhaps with national livestock associations or major food producers like Tyson or Pilgrim's Pride, to build a network that can open doors to higher-paying management or research-focused roles after 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 $381K $393K $384K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.4x 9.7x 9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.8x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,500
Out-of-state: $67,464 (5.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,836
-21% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,800
13.6 months of Year 1 earnings

About Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University has a 73% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 7,819 students in Ruston, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at Louisiana Tech 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 Louisiana Tech 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

What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Animal Sciences at Louisiana Tech University?
At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Animal Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Animal Sciences degree from Louisiana Tech University?
At $24,800 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Animal Sciences at Louisiana Tech University?
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 Louisiana Tech University a good choice for Animal Sciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Louisiana Tech University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →