Student success is shaped by both financial stability and social connectedness, yet little research has examined these dynamics within Animal and Dairy Science programs. This study investigated financial well-being, peer relationships, and academic and career satisfaction among 298 undergraduates in Animal Science (ANS), Dairy Science (DYS), and General Pre-Veterinary (GENPV) at a large land-grant university (33% response rate). A significant GPA difference of 0.45 points was observed between respondents and non-respondents (3.47 ± 0.52 vs. 3.02 ± 0.84; p 88%), but transfer students reported greater dissatisfaction with intellectual development (10% vs. 3%; p 85%), though transfer and students of color reported significantly lower familiarity (p = 0.02 and p = 0.05, respectively). Dissatisfaction with career opportunities was associated with lower GPA (3.38 ± 0.51 vs. 3.53 ± 0.47; p < 0.01). These findings highlight the disproportionate challenges faced by transfer and first-generation students, whose financial insecurity and weaker peer networks contribute to lower satisfaction and achievement. Addressing these disparities requires targeted support in financial aid, peer integration, and career mentoring to foster equitable student success in agricultural sciences.
Bundy et al. (Thu,) studied this question.