Animal Sciences at California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
54
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,311/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Large (99,000 openings/yr)
ROI 19.8x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 81 Animal Sciences programs Top 5%

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 $559K $553K $509K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.0x 19.8x 18.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.3x 6.8x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 54 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,920
Out-of-state: $75,440 (7.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$25,920
7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,619
45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,311/yr, edging above the $33,901 national average for Animal Sciences — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 19.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $17,500 in median debt against $40,311 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

California State University-Fresno ranks #2 among 81 Animal Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 45% earnings increase from $40,311 to $58,619 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California State University-Fresno

California State University-Fresno has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 21,070 in Fresno, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 56% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Fresno →

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 California State University-Fresno

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Animal Sciences at California State University-Fresno?
At 54/100, California State University-Fresno's Animal Sciences program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Animal Sciences at California State University-Fresno?
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.
Is California State University-Fresno one of the best schools for Animal Sciences?
Among 81 Animal Sciences programs, California State University-Fresno's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →