Animal Sciences at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
48
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,064/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Large (99,000 openings/yr)
ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 81 Animal Sciences programs Top 25%

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 $537K $533K $494K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.3x 13.2x 12.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.8x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 48 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,432
Out-of-state: $110,992 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,696
-72% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,645
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,812
40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,064 per year, Animal Sciences graduates from University of Nebraska-Lincoln earn slightly above the $33,901 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 13.2x 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 $20,645 debt-to-$39,064 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #10 out of 81 programs, University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Animal Sciences program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $39,064 to $54,812 shows 40% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Nebraska-Lincoln

With 77% of applicants admitted, University of Nebraska-Lincoln prioritizes broad access, serving 18,887 students in Lincoln, NE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nebraska-Lincoln →

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 Nebraska-Lincoln

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

How does University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Animal Sciences program score?
This program scores 48/100 — on the lower end for Animal Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Animal Sciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Animal Sciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 42% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of Nebraska-Lincoln rank so high for Animal Sciences?
The #10 ranking out of 81 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →