Animal Science · Illinois

Animal Science colleges in Illinois

CampusPin lists 58 U.S. colleges in Illinois that offer Animal Science programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Animal Science studies the breeding, nutrition, and husbandry of agricultural animals and the production and processing of animal products.

Schools in Illinois that offer Animal Science

Animal Science programs in Illinois: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 58 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

58

Public / private

29 / 21

Universities / 2-year

23 / 27

Cities represented

34

In-state tuition range

$3,552–$51,716

Median in-state tuition

$5,520

Lowest published in-state tuition

Lewis and Clark Community College

$3,552

Most selective

McCormick Theological Seminary

36% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

Illinois State University

20,953 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Animal Science program

  • Animal nutrition and feed formulation
  • Genetics, breeding, and herd or flock selection
  • Reproductive physiology and animal reproduction
  • Livestock husbandry and herd health management
  • Meat, dairy, and poultry product science
  • Processing and distribution of agricultural animal products
  • Anatomy and physiology of agricultural animals
  • Hands-on farm, lab, and internship experience
  • Pre-veterinary science preparation

Where a Animal Science degree can lead

  • Animal Scientist
  • Livestock Production Manager
  • Animal Nutritionist
  • Breeding and Genetics Specialist
  • Agricultural Extension Agent
  • Veterinarian (with further graduate study)

Typical pay: Early-career wages vary by employer, region, and experience (BLS, 2024 animal scientists median $79,120).

Animal Science focuses on the scientific principles behind raising agricultural animals and turning their output into food and other products. Students study how cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, and other livestock grow, reproduce, and respond to feed, and they learn the genetics and breeding decisions that shape herds and flocks over generations. Coursework joins core biology and chemistry with applied subjects such as animal nutrition, physiology, reproduction, meat and dairy science, and the husbandry practices that keep animals healthy and productive. This agricultural focus is what sets the field apart from its neighbors. Biology examines living systems broadly, Zoology centers on wild and non-domesticated animals, and Veterinary Technology trains people for clinical care under a veterinarian, while Animal Science keeps its attention on the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural animal products.

Most students enter through a bachelor's program, which is the typical preparation for working as an animal scientist, and the degree blends classroom science with hands-on learning. Expect laboratory work in nutrition and genetics, time at university farms or teaching herds, and practicums or internships on commercial operations, in feed and breeding companies, or in food-processing settings. Graduates work in livestock and dairy production, animal nutrition and feed manufacturing, breeding and genetics firms, extension and agribusiness, and food-quality roles, and many use the major as a pre-veterinary path toward graduate or professional study. If you are aiming at veterinary school, a specific certification, or a regulated production role, verify the exact prerequisites, course sequence, and any credential expectations directly with the program and your state before you enroll.

In federal data for the closely related occupation of animal scientists, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median wage of $79,120 and projects employment to grow about 5.8% from 2024 to 2034; a bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for that occupation. National figures are occupation-wide medians across all experience levels, not starting wages or graduate outcomes.

Animal Science in other states

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Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 58+ Animal Science programs in Illinois by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

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