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Animal Sciences at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $41,292/yr (22% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

Job Market Large (99,000 openings/yr)

ROI 8.7x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #16 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	$563K	$555K	$512K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.8x	8.7x	8.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.2x	3.2x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	42%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	46	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$63,952

Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$83,004

-30% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,023

7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$59,436

44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $41,292 per year, Animal Sciences graduates from Michigan State University earn slightly above the $33,901 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 8.7x 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 $25,023 against $41,292/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Michigan State University ranks #16 among 81 Animal Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 44% earnings increase from $41,292 to $59,436 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Michigan State University

With 84% of applicants admitted, Michigan State University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 40,243 in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan 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

Animal Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Michigan State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Animal Sciences at Michigan State University?

At 46/100, 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 Michigan 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.

Is Michigan State University one of the best schools for Animal Sciences?

Among 81 Animal Sciences programs, Michigan State University's #16 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 →