Most Affordable Online Animal Sciences Degrees in 2026

Updated on 9/19/2025

Often, students want to earn a degree, but struggle to find the time or money to complete their higher education. To help reduce the cost, many schools offer affordable online degrees in a range of fields, including animal science.

A degree in animal science can prepare you for careers in numerous animal-related fields. Keep reading to discover affordable online animal science degrees.

What Is an Animal Science Degree?

Animal science is a major that combines principles of biological, physical, and social sciences to study and manage animals. It looks at topics like:

• animal behavior
• genetics
• health
• nutrition
• reproduction
• welfare

It's a similar major to zoology; however, zoology studies a broader range of animals, while animal science tends to focus on domestic and agricultural animals.

Can You Earn an Animal Science Degree Online?

While animal science isn't the most common online major, a few colleges and universities offer degrees in animal science online. Note that an animal science online degree may still have on-campus components or experiential learning that must be completed in person.

How Much Does an Online Animal Science Degree Cost?

The cost of an animal science degree will depend on several factors, including:

• the degree level
• which school you choose
• in-state or out-of-state resident status
• how many credit hours you need
• what financial aid you qualify for

Bachelor's degrees in animal science can range from $400 to $800 or more for online students. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows you to see what federal aid you're eligible for and hopefully lower your costs.

Most Affordable Animal Science Online Degrees

A few schools offer animal science or animal degrees in general online. We've highlighted some of the most affordable options below.

1. Santa Fe College

Santa Fe College is a public college in Gainesville, FL. It offers an Associate in Arts (AA) degree in animal science online.

This is a degree designed for transfer; students are guaranteed admission to several public Florida universities. Students work with an advisor to create their own plan of study for this program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $106.77 per credit (in-state); $382.90 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Santa Fe College accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University (NC State) offers an online bachelor's in agricultural science with an option to specialize in animal science, as well as a master's degree in animal science online. NC State is a public research university in Raleigh, NC.

In the undergraduate degree, students take core courses in the life sciences and can choose from various animal science electives. The graduate program includes coursework on genetics, animal nutrition, and physiology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $272.29 (in-state bachelor's); $1,312.50 (out-of-state bachelor's); $568.33 (in-state master's); $1,751.56 (out-of-state master's)
• Financial aid: NC State offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Oregon State University

At Oregon State University (OSU), students can earn an online bachelor's degree in animal science. It includes courses on animal nutrition, animal production systems, animal breeding, and equine systems.

OSU, a public research university, is located in Corvallis, OR. It also offers other online degrees in similar fields, including zoology and fisheries, wildlife, and conservation sciences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $384 per credit
• Financial aid: OSU offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

4. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University (NMSU) offers a Master of Agriculture (MAg) in domestic animal biology through its online Global Campus. NMSU is a public research institution in Las Cruces, NM.

The domestic animal biology major provides advanced training in animal nutrition and physiology. Courses cover topics on animal endocrinology, nutritional management, overall animal health, and research methods in animal science.

• Estimated tuition cost: $444.40 per credit
• Financial aid: NMSU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Husson University

An online animal behavior degree is available at both the bachelor's and master's levels at Husson University. The bachelor's program in animal care and behavior covers topics like animal health, animal breeding, animal wellness, and animal welfare.

Husson University, located in Bangor, ME, is a private nonprofit institution. The advanced degree in applied animal behavior and welfare helps students gain an advanced understanding of the behavior, health, and nutrition of both domestic animals and wildlife.

• Estimated tuition cost: $448 per credit (bachelor's); $548 per credit (master's)
• Financial aid: Husson University accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

6. Unity Environmental University

Unity Environmental University is a nonprofit private university in New Gloucester, ME. It offers several online bachelor's degrees focused on animals, including majors in:

• agricultural animal science
• animal health and behavior
• companion animal science
• equine animal science

These degrees allow students to focus on their particular areas of interest. An online graduate program in animal science and behavior is also available at Unity.

• Estimated tuition cost: $470 per credit (bachelor's); $550 per credit (master's)
• Financial aid: Unity accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid like free course materials, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: NECHE

7. Kansas State University

Students at Kansas State University (K-State) can earn a bachelor's degree in animal sciences and industry online. Learners can choose from two specializations: management and industry or science/pre-veterinary.

K-State, a public research university, is located in Manhattan, KS. Students in the program here take required courses on life sciences, animal nutrition, and animal food product production.

• Estimated tuition cost: $506.85 per credit
• Financial aid: K-State offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Mississippi State University

The Master of Agriculture at Mississippi State University (MSU) is available as an online program with a concentration in animal and dairy sciences. The program includes courses on animal nutrition, companion animal management, animal endocrine systems, and animal reproduction.

MSU, located in Starkville, MS, is a public research university. While the school does not offer an undergraduate degree in animal sciences online, it does offer an undergraduate certificate in companion animal management online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $581 per credit
• Financial aid: MSU accepts FAFSA and private aid. It also offers institutional financial aid options.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Financial Aid for Online Animal Degrees

Several financial aid options are available to help students with their online tuition. We've highlighted some of these various options below.

Federal Financial Aid

The federal government offers several financial aid programs to college students. These include:

• Pell Grants: Grants of up to $7,395 per year that you do not need to pay back except under specific circumstances.
• Federal student loans: Loans that often have lower interest rates and better repayment terms than private loans.
• Work-study funding: Work-study programs allow you to work for your college or a partner organization to pay off your tuition.

To find out what federal aid you qualify for, fill out the FAFSA.

State Scholarships and Grants

Most states offer some type of financial aid programs to students. Some, like Minnesota's North Star Promise or New York's Excelsior Scholarship, even cover tuition completely for eligible students.

In some states, you don't need to apply; you only need to complete the FAFSA. Other states have separate applications for their aid programs.

Institutional Aid

Typically, colleges and universities offer some type of aid to students. The amount can vary based on merit, financial need, and whether you study on campus or online.

Some schools offer ''promise programs,'' in which the school will cover whatever federal and state aid doesn't. For example, K-State's Land Grant Promise covers remaining tuition costs for Kansas residents with a household income under $70,000.

Work-Study Opportunities

Work-study programs allow you to hold a job through the school or a partner organization, and then the money you earn from that job goes toward your tuition costs. Your school's financial aid office should have information about work-study opportunities.

This can be a great option for students who have never worked before, as it gives them something to put on their resume. However, it can be trickier for online students who already have a job or lead busy lives.

Employer Tuition Reimbursement

Often, employers will offer tuition assistance programs as part of their benefits packages. These may be programs that pay the school directly, or reimbursement options that pay you back after you pay your tuition.

Requirements vary by employer. Some offer this option to all employees, while others require you to be full-time or to be in a certain major. Reach out to your manager or HR specialist to find out if this is an option for you.

FAQs About Affordable Animal Science Programs

A major in animal science can lead to several career paths. We've answered some frequently asked questions about affordable animal science degrees below.

Is a Bachelor's in Animal Science Worth It?

If you're interested in working with animals, a bachelor's in animal science is worth it. This type of degree can pave the way for roles in agriculture, animal behavior, veterinary medicine, and more.

What Is the Highest-Paying Animal Science Career?

There are several career paths you can pursue in the field of animal science. The highest-paying option is likely a veterinarian. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for veterinarians is $125,510 per year.

How Many Years Does It Take To Get an Animal Science Degree?

The number of years it takes to get an animal science degree depends on the type of degree you're pursuing and whether you study full-time or part-time. Associate degrees take about two years, while bachelor's degrees take four years of full-time study. Master's degrees usually take one to three years, while doctoral programs take at least four.

What Can I Do With a Preveterinary Medicine Degree Concentration?

Pre-veterinary medicine degrees are typically designed to prepare students to go to vet school. However, you could get a job as a veterinary tech or veterinary assistant with this type of degree.

Find an Animal Science Degree

Find the perfect animal science degree for you by exploring the affordable options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to request info on tuition, enrollment, and financial aid.