Entry Level Salary
$53,592
Median Salary
$91,091
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
29.8%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $3,643,640
Entry (Early)
$53,592
Median (Prime)
$91,091
High (Prime)
$101,825
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+26k
+335k
+422k
$25k / yr
-63k
+245k
+332k
$50k / yr
-153k
+155k
+242k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
44
26
25
$25k / yr
Never
31
29
$50k / yr
Never
37
33
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-58%
226%
305%
$50k / yr
-71%
71%
111%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate38.3%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Agricultural and food scientists
7.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$63,721
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$88,963|$81,970
openings
2,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%
Management occupations
6.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$75,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$127,528|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Physical scientists, all other
3.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$70,742
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$89,000|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing
3.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$75,029
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$145,000|$76,460
openings
123,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.5%
Industrial production managers
2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$61,763
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$109,309|$126,060
openings
17,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.6%
Postsecondary teachers
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$23,581
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$65,586|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Top executives
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$153,154
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$235,622|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Dietitians and nutritionists
2.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$66,800|$76,400
openings
5,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.7%
First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$91,091
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$87,447|$74,450
openings
61,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.8%
General and operations managers
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$42,874
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$102,938|$105,770
openings
285,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| food science and technology. | Undergrad Certificate | 13 | $56,414 - $69,286 |
| food science and technology. | Associate's Degree | 20 | Data N/A |
| food science and technology. | Bachelor's Degree | 57 | $39,940 - $85,445 |
| food science and technology. | Master's Degree | 40 | $63,009 - $111,860 |
| food science and technology. | Doctoral Degree | 21 | Data N/A |