Best Animal Sciences colleges in the U.S. 2026

The field of animal science encapsulates the overall research of domesticated animals in terms of diet, reproduction, and even genetic propensity. Pursuing a degree in animal science is the first step for many before working directly with livestock like horses, pigs, cows, and rabbits. Animal science is a very outdoors-oriented career path, and scientists that pursue degrees in animal science typically need to be in direct contact with farm animals to ensure proper observation and care. 

There are many career options for students interested in pursuing animal science. While some graduates prefer to work in the field and observe animals in their natural environment, others find work in a lab to study genetics, or in an animal hospital to treat their livestock to facilitate mating, birth, and surgery. Students may choose to study a specific species like goats, while others may study general livestock to have a wider range of options post-graduation. 

Becoming an animal scientist necessitates a bachelor’s degree along with a master’s degree or PhD with a specialization. Due to the hands-on nature of working with animals, these degrees require in-person coursework and lab hours.

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Best Animal Sciences colleges in the U.S. for 2026

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Cornell University offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2024, 89 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 68 Bachelor's degrees, 13 Master's degrees, and 8 Doctoral degrees.

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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2024, 148 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 114 Bachelor's degrees, 28 Master's degrees, and 6 Doctoral degrees.

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Texas A&M University-College Station offers 4 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2024, 307 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 273 Bachelor's degrees, 25 Master's degrees, and 9 Doctoral degrees.

Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
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Purdue University-Main Campus offers 4 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2024, 166 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 146 Bachelor's degrees, 12 Doctoral degrees, and 8 Master's degrees.

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University of Wisconsin-Madison offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 35 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 27 Bachelor's degrees, 5 Doctoral degrees, and 3 Master's degrees.

University of Georgia offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2024, 38 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 26 Bachelor's degrees, 9 Master's degrees, and 3 Doctoral degrees.

University of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University of Florida offers 5 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2024, 164 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 139 Bachelor's degrees, 14 Master's degrees, 8 Certificates, and 3 Doctoral degrees.

Iowa State University offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2024, 229 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 222 Bachelor's degrees, 4 Master's degrees, and 3 Doctoral degrees.

Ohio State University-Main Campus offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 141 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 133 Bachelor's degrees, 7 Master's degrees, and 1 Doctoral degree.

University of Maryland-College Park offers 3 Animal Sciences, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2024, 63 Animal Sciences, General students graduated with students earning 56 Bachelor's degrees, 4 Doctoral degrees, and 3 Master's degrees.

List of all Animal Sciences colleges in the U.S.

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
Cornell University Logo Cornell University Ithaca, NY
5/5
13 : 1 26,793
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Logo University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL
4/5
23 : 1 59,238
Texas A&M University-College Station Logo Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX
3/5
26 : 1 78,321
Purdue University-Main Campus Logo Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN
3/5
28 : 1 58,658
University of Wisconsin-Madison Logo University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI
3/5
20 : 1 51,044