If the thought of paying for a degree at one of the top schools for animal science scares you, then remember that you have plenty of options to consider. Schools try to lure you to attend by offering incentives in the way of scholarships and convenience with online courses. Of course there's nothing wrong with attending a well-known university in person.

According to the American Society of Animal Science, there are more than 500 job types available in the animal science field once you obtain the degree from an animal science university. But first, you need to consider the following when investigating pricing and costs of animal science colleges:

1. Apply for scholarships to attend colleges with animal science programs.

2. Take online college animal science classes.

3. Find top schools for animal science in a price range you can afford.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Seek scholarships to offset the cost of attending an animal science university

As with any college, obtaining scholarships can definitely offset pricing and costs of animal science colleges. Search through popular college websites to see what type of scholarships the schools offer; that may be an incentive to attend the school if you can secure scholarship money.

I recommend: Iowa State University offers more than $1 million in scholarships annually. If you plan to study its veterinary medicine courses, then expect to pay around $8,000 for in-state and $18,000 for out-of-state tuition. Check out ISU's breakdown of scholarships, which are offered to new students as well as undergrads or graduate students. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln provided $21,000 to incoming freshmen and transfer students and around $43,000 to upperclass UNL students enrolled in the animal science program. Its tuition is around $24,000 for nonresidents.

Obtain an animal science degree online

Although you may not receive the hands-on experience offered in a physical classroom, online degrees are becoming more and more popular. Students take these classes from the comfort of their home, which is especially important if they work during the day and try to complete a degree in the evening. Check to see, however, if you need outside-the-class training, especially if you're considering vet collages, before you can graduate.

I recommend: The American College of Applied Science has a virtual campus, allowing you to work on your degree from home. Offering undergrad and graduate degrees for $375 per credit hour, you can strive for your animal science degree online along with classmates all over the world working on their animal science degrees online. Get a degree in veterinary technology through St. Petersburg College for almost $16,000 for out-of-state residents. In order to fulfill its degree requirements, you need to be working 20 hours per week at a veterinarian's office or hospital.

Search for top colleges with animal science programs

The best schools for animal science range in price from more than $30,000 to around $10,000 annually. Keep this in mind when searching for your perfect college fit. If you decide to go with a different school for your undergraduate work, then consider some of these options for your graduate work.

I recommend: Ranked 13th overall in the nation by U.S. News, one of the top schools in the country for animal science is Cornell University. Check out its program, but be aware that it can cost more than $30,000 for one year's tuition. The University of Florida receives hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for its animal research departments. Look into its animal science department, where one year may cost you around $15,000.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Oftentimes these animal science colleges offer internships or hands-on training as an optional part of a degree. By securing one of these, you might be able to minimize the overall tuition cost.

Animal science schools offer many fields of study and specialties. Some of these include veterinary science, poultry science, marine biology and animal behavior. With the increasing interest in the care for our pets and for animal conservation and protection, interest in animal science colleges is booming.

If you want to go to college to study one of the many animal science specialties, the process starts with selecting one of the many animal science colleges in the United States. You can go to a traditional college or university or even obtain your degree through an online program.

When selecting one of the many animal science schools, things to consider include:

1. Your intended animal science specialty.

2. Ratings and rankings of traditional animal science colleges that offer your specialty.

3. The possibility of obtaining a degree through an online program.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose an animal science specialty

Before selecting one of the many colleges with animal science programs, you need to select an animal science specialty that you wish to study. You might want to become a veterinarian or a veterinary technician or you may want to study dairy science, poultry science or animal behavior.

I recommend: Contact the Research Coordinator at Kansas State University about the seven disciplines offered in their Department of Animal Science and Industry. Get more information about the many specialties of animal science by visiting The Ohio State University's Department of Animal Sciences.

Obtain the ratings and rankings of colleges with animal science programs

Consider choosing one of the top schools for animal science for your education. Ratings and rankings of colleges and universities that have animal science programs can come in handy when selecting the appropriate school for you.

I recommend: Look at the U.S. News and World Report ratings and rankings of the many animal science schools by selecting "Animal Science" on the Majors tab. Select a college or university of interest and obtain its ratings, rankings and additional information from The Princeton Review. Buy the Premium Online Edition of U.S. News and World Report's rankings of the top vet colleges. Check out rankings of vet colleges on the vet school database.

Consider obtaining an animal science degree online

For some people, it makes the most sense to take an online college animal science program. Many online colleges offer animal science programs. Online college animal science programs tend to take less time to complete than traditional programs.

I recommend: Enroll or request information about the veterinary technician program at Penn Foster College. Request information about the veterinary assistant online program from Animal Behavior College.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Obtain information about financial aid and the costs for attending college. Animal science programs can have high costs, so make sure you can afford the program that interests you.
• •  Check out job placement rates and available job assistance at your preferred animal science college. Animal science graduates have many jobs available to them, and schools often help their graduates find jobs.

Ensuring the best education at any of the country's animal science colleges can be an easy feat, once you know what qualifications to look for in a college. Having a quality education at a top-notch school can be the first step you need to securing the ideal job in that field.

As with any college, it's important to do research when locating the ideal animal science schools. You should try to physically attend the school before accepting admission, and although this may be difficult, it's important if you plan to spend a few years studying at that location. Consider the following when shopping for the best animal science colleges education and training:

1. Do research and locate the best colleges with animal science programs.

2. Ask members of animal organizations what animal science university they recommend.

3. Check the requirements for attending vet colleges and see what programs the schools have to offer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Investigate top schools for animal science

When starting the research, it can be an overwhelming process. You need to factor in cost, location and course options before determining if the school is a perfect match.

I recommend: Check the list of top 200 colleges and universities from U.S. News & World Report. You can select what subject to learn more about, or you can check on specific animal science schools. The Princeton Review lists its top 368 schools, which you can peruse. It's based on a best-selling book that has been updated yearly since 1992. Its list is compiled after questioning more than 120,000 students located all over the country.

Check with organizations and associations on what animal colleges their members recommend

Educate yourself with colleges or universities by checking with associations or organizations affiliated with animal science. Such organizations can be a wealth of information, as many of the members attended one of the many colleges for animal science. They might have recommendations of colleges to avoid.

I recommend: Ask members of the American Veterinary Medical Association what universities or colleges they attended. The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges provides a list of responsibilities for enrolling students. Applicants should check the requirements before applying.

Contact specific colleges with animal science programs

There's no better way to check out a specific school than to visit the college and see for yourself. Oftentimes these animal schools offer open houses on campus, or there might be a localized conference showcasing specific animal science schools.

I recommend: One of the country's top animal science schools is Cornell University. Check its schedule to see if any of the activities will be near you; some of the conferences or seminars can teach potential students about the university's programs. Check out Penn State University and its animal science program's schedule. There might be some nearby activities or open houses to attend.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider other alternatives if you're working full-time or don't have access to physically attend college. By taking online college animal science classes, you can attend virtual classes whenever you have time, whether it's in the evenings or on the weekends.

Animal science colleges offer a variety of options in terms of major and specialty schools, so you might find it helpful to ask yourself a few questions. What's your goal? Would you like to become a marine biologist? Perhaps you enjoy working with horses and are looking for an equine studies program. Specialty animal science colleges offer programs in poultry or dairy science. Animal science colleges do much research into animal behavior. An internship can help you discover new goals and earn college credit.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Internship

A great way to gain experience in your chosen animal science field is to find an internship. Some companies may pay for internships. Many colleges will give you credit for the experience. The best internships are highly competitive.

I recommend: Feel free to check out the Black Pine Exotic Animal Care Internship Program, a unique program for students who want to work with a variety of animals.

Marine biology

While very few people get to be dolphin trainers, a career in marine biology is quite possible. You don't necessarily need to major in marine biology, but you do need a strong science background and a love of ocean life.

I recommend: Discover what it takes to become a marine biologist at State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Poultry science

Students in poultry science programs study the genetics, embryology, nutrition and diseases of poultry. Agricultural marketing may also be studied.

I recommend: Learn about educational opportunities in poultry science at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Equine studies

Equine studies prepare students for a career training and caring for horses. Students learn computer and business skills and discover the benefits of therapeutic riding for people with disabilities.

I recommend: Follow your dream of working with horses with a degree in equine studies from Saint Mary of the Woods College.

Dairy science

Dairy science programs provide extensive training to those in the dairy industry. Dairy science courses teach students the latest advances in dairy cattle to ensure maximum career success.

I recommend: Learn dairy science in the heartland of the dairy industry at the University of Wisconsin-Madision Department of Dairy Science.

Animal behavior

Animal behavior is an integral part of animal science college programs. Specialists in animal behavior may work in animal training or zoos. The study of animal behavior is integral to conservation efforts.

I recommend: The Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior at Indiana University answers questions about career opportunities and offers additional resources for those interested in college level study of animal behavior.