Program Analysis
At $30,187/yr, Animal Sciences graduates from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign land near the $33,901 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.5x 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.
Median debt of $19,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $30,187 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #66 of 81 Animal Sciences programs, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $53,114 show a 76% jump from the $30,187 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.