Compare 17 Animal Health. programs in the West. Average earnings: $40,640.
Animal Health programs produce graduates earning between $27,488 and $52,909—a $25K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 17 ranked programs in the West, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Animal Health program leads with graduates earning $52,909, despite its selective 30% acceptance rate. The average across all programs is $40,640, yet accessible programs like Cal State Fresno ($46,801) with 96% acceptance prove that strong outcomes don't require elite admissions.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Cal State Fresno graduates borrow $14,505 and face just an 8.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. Even when parent loans are included, Fresno leads with a 16% family burden—proof that smart program choice beats prestige spending.
Highest program earnings: $52,909
Strong outcomes ($46,801) with 96% acceptance
8.2% payment burden | Good - payment 8-12% of discretionary
16.0% family burden | Manageable - payment 12-18% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $52,909 | 174 | $18,500 | Good | $35,000 | High | |
| #2 | $46,801 | 98 | $14,505 | Good | $12,050 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $45,225 | 107 | $16,000 | Good | $15,000 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $44,947 | 72 | $16,552 | Good | $17,585 | Challenging | |
| #5 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $44,164 | 19 | $19,620 | Manageable | $30,126 | High |
| #6 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $44,079 | 48 | $21,221 | Manageable | $28,923 | High |
| #7 | University Of IdahoPublic | $43,918 | 57 | $21,982 | Manageable | $21,162 | High |
| #8 | $42,721 | 80 | $20,000 | Manageable | $36,000 | High | |
| #9 | $42,226 | 327 | $13,000 | Good | $25,733 | High | |
| #10 | $40,265 | 23 | $18,500 | Manageable | $30,988 | High | |
| #11 | Utah State UniversityPublic | $38,971 | 52 | $14,340 | Good | $13,923 | High |
| #12 | $37,966 | 55 | $17,095 | Manageable | $10,166 | High | |
| #13 | $37,885 | 45 | $13,969 | Manageable | $7,556 | Challenging | |
| #14 | $34,686 | 103 | $19,500 | Challenging | $29,968 | High | |
| #15 | Montana State UniversityPublic | $34,053 | 46 | $22,500 | High | $25,000 | High |
| #16 | $32,569 | 12 | $16,500 | Challenging | $13,200 | High | |
| #17 | University Of WyomingPublic | $27,488 | 50 | $18,000 | High | $16,000 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
