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Animal Sciences at North Dakota State University-Main Campus

Fargo, ND · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,290/yr (16% vs median)

AI Risk High (42% exposed)

Job Market Large (99,000 openings/yr)

ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (8.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #11 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	$544K	$539K	$499K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.5x	12.4x	11.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.8x	8.7x	8.0x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	42%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	48	48	43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,428

Out-of-state: $62,044 (8.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,336

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,439

6.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,921

42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

North Dakota State University-Main Campus's Animal Sciences graduates start at $39,290/yr — above the $33,901 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 12.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Animal Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,439 against $39,290/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

North Dakota State University-Main Campus ranks #11 among 81 Animal Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 42% earnings increase from $39,290 to $55,921 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About North Dakota State University-Main Campus

A 96% acceptance rate means North Dakota State University-Main Campus is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 9,567 in Fargo, ND.

See all programs and financial aid at North Dakota State University-Main Campus →

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 North Dakota State University-Main Campus

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

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Animal Sciences at North Dakota State University-Main Campus?

At 48/100, 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 North Dakota State University-Main Campus?

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 North Dakota State University-Main Campus one of the best schools for Animal Sciences?

Among 81 Animal Sciences programs, North Dakota State University-Main Campus's #11 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 →