Program Analysis
Graduates earn $32,309/yr, roughly in line with the $33,901 national median for Animal Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.9x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Animal Sciences's typical career paths, with 42% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $32,309 far exceeding the $13,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #56 of 81 Animal Sciences programs, University of California-Davis falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $54,122 show a 68% jump from the $32,309 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.