Animal Sciences at University of Maine

Orono, ME · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,823/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Large (99,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #44 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 $506K $504K $472K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.0x 10.0x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,424
Out-of-state: $141,384 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,180
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,452
31% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,823 per year, Animal Sciences graduates from University of Maine earn slightly above the $33,901 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 10.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $37,823 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #44 of 81 Animal Sciences programs, University of Maine falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $37,823 to $49,452 over five years — a 31% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Maine

With 96% of applicants admitted, University of Maine prioritizes broad access, enrolling 8,341 students in Orono, ME.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Maine →

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 University of Maine

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Animal Sciences at University of Maine?
A score of 40/100 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 $471,639 in decade earnings vs $505,777 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →