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Animal Sciences at Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,868/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Large (99,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #24 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 $517K $515K $480K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.8x 11.8x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.6x 4.6x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,768
Out-of-state: $111,264 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$71,532
-63% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,573
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,868 at Kansas State University come in 15% above the national median of $33,901 for Animal Sciences programs.

With a 11.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Animal Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,500 against $38,868/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #24 ranking among 81 Animal Sciences programs places Kansas State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 33% earnings increase from $38,868 to $51,573 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Kansas State University

Kansas State University accepts 79% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 14,835 students in Manhattan, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Kansas State University →

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 Kansas State University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,758) Computer Engineering ($77,938) Industrial Engineering ($77,724) Chemical Engineering ($77,492) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($76,385) Agricultural and Food Products Processing ($76,052) Construction Engineering Technologies ($74,253) Architectural Engineering ($74,091)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Animal Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Animal Sciences at Kansas State University?
At 44/100, 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 Kansas State University?
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 →