Program Analysis
At $44,844 per year, Animal Sciences graduates from South Dakota State University significantly outpace the $33,901 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
The 14.3x 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 median debt load of $21,349 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
Ranked #3 out of 81 programs, South Dakota State University's Animal Sciences program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $44,844 to $56,528 shows 26% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.