Nutrition & Food Science at Benedictine University

Lisle, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,474/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (306,000 openings/yr)
ROI 4.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #35 of 38 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services programs

Program Analysis

The outcomes for this program suggest a particularly competitive and demanding career path, requiring a strategic approach to maximize your investment. The "related services" aspect means graduates often enter diverse roles beyond clinical dietetics, like food service management or community health, where entry-level salaries can be constrained. Many of the most sought-after nutritionist positions, particularly in healthcare settings, require an additional master's degree and a Registered Dietitian (RD) credential, extending your education and delaying higher earning potential. The local labor market, while substantial, is highly competitive for these roles. To truly differentiate yourself, you'll need to aggressively pursue internships, network within the Chicagoland healthcare and food industries, and seriously consider the full educational pathway to your desired specialized role.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nutrition & Food Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $601K $591K $538K
Earnings Multiple 4.4x 4.3x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$137,160
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,116
31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
10.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,710
110% growth from Year 1

About Benedictine University

Benedictine University has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 1,817 students in Lisle, IL. The average net cost of $94,116 over four years represents a 31% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Benedictine University →

Top Career Paths

Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary $77,280/yr
Dietitians and nutritionists $73,850/yr
Food service managers $65,310/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nutrition & Food Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Benedictine University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Benedictine University's Nutrition & Food Science program score?
This program scores 33/100 — on the lower end for Nutrition & Food Science. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Nutrition & Food Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Nutrition & Food Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 45% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Nutrition & Food Science earnings lower at Benedictine University?
Lower starting pay at Benedictine University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →