Animal Sciences at Montana State University

Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,220/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Large (99,000 openings/yr)
ROI 14.8x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #59 of 81 Animal Sciences programs

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 $476K $477K $450K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.7x 14.8x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.8x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,332
Out-of-state: $125,348 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$82,372
-155% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,149
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,414
40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,220/yr, Animal Sciences graduates from Montana State University land near the $33,901 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Animal Sciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Animal Sciences's typical career paths, with 42% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 5% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,149 represents roughly 9 months of the $30,220 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #59 of 81 Animal Sciences programs, Montana State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $30,220 to $42,414 over five years — a 40% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Montana State University

With 87% of applicants admitted, Montana State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 14,472 in Bozeman, MT.

See all programs and financial aid at Montana 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 Montana 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Animal Sciences at Montana State University?
A score of 35/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Animal Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Animal Sciences careers?
With 42% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $450,345 in decade earnings vs $475,598 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →