Most Affordable Online Animal Sciences Degrees in 2026

Students who want to study animal science often need programs that are both flexible and affordable. Fortunately, several colleges offer online or hybrid animal science degrees that allow learners to build skills in animal care, agriculture, and veterinary-related fields without relocating or attending full-time classes on campus.

Animal science programs prepare students to work with livestock, companion animals, and agricultural systems while learning about topics such as nutrition, genetics, animal behavior, and welfare. Keep reading to explore some of the most affordable online animal science degree options available today.

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 focuses on 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

Online animal science programs are relatively rare compared with other majors, especially in fully online formats. Because of this, the schools below include a mix of associate, bachelor's, and graduate programs that allow students to study animal science or closely related fields through online or flexible learning pathways.

1. Otero College

Otero College offers an Associate of Science degree with an emphasis in Animal Science as part of its agriculture program. Students study subjects such as animal nutrition, physiology, and reproduction while preparing for careers in livestock production, animal research, or veterinary-related fields.

The program is designed as a transfer pathway developed in partnership with Colorado State University–Fort Collins. After completing the two-year associate degree, students can transfer their credits into CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences to continue toward a bachelor’s degree in animal science.

• Financial aid: Otero College accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University offers a Distance Education Master of Animal Science (DEMAS), one of the only fully online graduate programs in this field in the United States. The program provides advanced study in areas such as animal nutrition, physiology, genetics, biotechnology, and animal management.

The non-thesis degree requires a minimum of 36 credit hours and prepares graduates for careers in fields such as animal breeding, feed manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, meat production, and agricultural consulting. NC State also offers an undergraduate certificate in animal nutrition that can be completed online or through hybrid study.

• Financial aid: NC State offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences through its College of Agricultural Sciences. The program focuses on the biology, behavior, and management of domesticated animals, preparing students for careers in areas such as agribusiness, livestock production, companion animal care, and animal facility management.

Students develop practical knowledge in topics like animal nutrition, reproductive physiology, genetics, livestock production, and animal behavior. Oregon State’s online format allows learners to study remotely while engaging with industry-focused coursework and virtual demonstrations designed to replicate hands-on learning experiences.

• Financial aid: Oregon State offers institutional financial aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

4. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University offers an online Master of Agriculture (MAg) degree with an emphasis in Domestic Animal Biology through its Global Campus. The program focuses on advanced topics such as animal nutrition, physiology, and overall animal health management.

Designed for professionals in agriculture and animal-related industries, the curriculum includes coursework in areas like animal endocrinology, nutritional management, and research methods in animal science. The program helps students strengthen their scientific knowledge while preparing for leadership roles in animal production, research, and agricultural management.

• Financial aid: New Mexico State University accepts FAFSA, offers institutional financial aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Husson University

Husson University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Animal Care and Behavior that prepares students to work in areas such as veterinary support, animal training, rehabilitation, and animal advocacy. The curriculum introduces topics including animal biology, health and nutrition, behavior, and training methods to help students develop a well-rounded understanding of animal care.

Students who want to pursue advanced study can also enroll in Husson’s online Master of Science in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare. This graduate program focuses on animal behavior, health, nutrition, and welfare practices, preparing graduates for careers in settings such as animal shelters, rehabilitation centers, zoos, and other animal care organizations.

• Financial aid: Husson University accepts FAFSA, offers institutional financial aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

6. Unity Environmental University

Unity Environmental University offers several online bachelor’s degrees focused on animal science and animal care. Students can choose majors such as Animal Health and Behavior, Companion Animal Science, Equine Animal Science, or Agricultural Animal Science, allowing them to tailor their studies toward specific animal-focused careers.

These programs combine coursework in animal biology, behavior, health, and management with broader environmental science concepts. Unity also offers a graduate program in Animal Science and Behavior for students who want to deepen their expertise in animal welfare, conservation, and animal-focused research.

• Financial aid: Unity Environmental University accepts FAFSA, offers institutional financial aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: NECHE

7. Kansas State University

Kansas State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences and Industry that prepares students for careers in agriculture, animal production, research, and the food industry. The program focuses on the breeding, nutrition, care, and management of animals while helping students build practical knowledge of the agricultural and animal science sectors.

Students can choose between two curriculum tracks: a Management and Industry option, which emphasizes animal production and agribusiness applications, and a Science/Pre-Veterinary option, designed for those planning to pursue veterinary school or graduate research programs in animal science or related fields.

• Financial aid: Kansas State University accepts FAFSA, offers institutional financial aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University offers an online Master of Agriculture (MAg) degree with a concentration in Animal and Dairy Sciences. The program explores advanced topics such as animal nutrition, reproduction, endocrine systems, and companion animal management while preparing students for leadership roles in agriculture and animal-related industries.

The curriculum is designed for working professionals who want to deepen their expertise in animal science while maintaining a flexible schedule. Mississippi State also offers an online undergraduate certificate in Companion Animal Management for students interested in gaining foundational knowledge in animal care and management.

• Financial aid: Mississippi State University accepts FAFSA, offers institutional financial aid, and accepts private student aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. 

Because fully online animal science programs are relatively limited, we evaluated schools that offer affordable online or flexible degree pathways related to animal science, animal care, or agricultural animal studies.

• Accreditation: Each institution holds recognized accreditation from an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring academic quality and eligibility for federal financial aid programs.
• Affordability: We review publicly available tuition information and institutional resources to identify schools offering relatively affordable online degree options in animal science or closely related fields.
• Online Accessibility: Institutions must offer fully online or substantially online degree pathways that allow students to complete most coursework remotely.
• Financial Aid Availability: Schools must participate in federal financial aid programs, allowing students to apply for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities through the FAFSA.
  

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.

Careers You Can Pursue With an Animal Science Degree

An animal science degree can prepare graduates for a variety of careers working with livestock, companion animals, agricultural systems, and research environments. Because the field blends biology, agriculture, and management, graduates often find roles in both science-focused and industry-focused settings.

Common careers include livestock production manager, animal nutritionist, animal breeding specialist, and agricultural extension agent. Some graduates also pursue careers in animal welfare organizations, wildlife conservation programs, or companion animal care management.

Many students also use animal science as a stepping stone toward veterinary school or graduate research programs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in agriculture, veterinary services, and animal production continue to grow as demand increases for safe food production and responsible animal care.

FAQs About Affordable Animal Science Programs

Prospective students often have questions about program length, career outcomes, and whether animal science degrees are worth the investment. The following FAQs address some of the most common concerns about affordable online animal science programs.

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.