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Animal Sciences at Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,911/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (42% exposed)
Job Market Large (99,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.7x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #65 of 81 Animal Sciences programs

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 $504K $503K $470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.7x 9.7x 9.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 42% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 34 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,988
Out-of-state: $116,292 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,604
-11% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,000
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,320
48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,911/yr, roughly in line with the $33,901 national median for Animal Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 9.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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 $18,000 against $31,911/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #65 ranking among 81 Animal Sciences programs places Washington State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 48% earnings increase from $31,911 to $47,320 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Washington State University

Washington State University accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 21,583 students enrolled in Pullman, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington 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 Washington State University

Computer Engineering ($87,135) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($83,894) Construction Engineering Technologies ($80,404) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($79,874) Computer Science ($79,519) Civil Engineering ($74,841) Mechanical Engineering ($72,690) Chemical Engineering ($69,820)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Animal Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Animal Sciences at Washington State University?
At 34/100, 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 Washington 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 →