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Animal Sciences at University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,678/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Large (99,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.9x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #38 of 81 Animal Sciences programs Top 50%

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 $567K $560K $515K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.0x 9.9x 9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.1x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,520
Out-of-state: $137,352 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,556
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,523
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,678/yr, roughly in line with the $33,901 national median for Animal Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 9.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Animal Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,500 against $34,678/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #38 ranking among 81 Animal Sciences programs places University of Missouri-Columbia in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $34,678-to-$57,523 earnings arc over five years reflects a 66% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Missouri-Columbia

University of Missouri-Columbia accepts 77% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 23,118 students in Columbia, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Missouri-Columbia →

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

Compare this program → View all 81 schools offering Animal Sciences →

Animal Sciences at Other Schools

University of Wisconsin-Platteville ($44,956) South Dakota State University ($44,844) University of Wisconsin-Madison ($44,354) Mississippi State University ($41,464) Michigan State University ($41,292) University of Delaware ($40,317) California State University-Fresno ($40,311) University of Maryland-College Park ($40,209)

Other Majors at University of Missouri-Columbia

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($85,400) Computer Engineering ($83,243) Industrial Engineering ($79,894) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($72,886) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($72,300) Mechanical Engineering ($71,800) Engineering, General ($70,366) Chemical Engineering ($69,950)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Animal Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Animal Sciences at University of Missouri-Columbia?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Animal Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Animal Sciences at University of Missouri-Columbia?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →