Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $31,673 track close to the $31,506 national median for Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 19.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $17,375 against $31,673/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
California State University-Chico ranks #6 among 38 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The $31,673-to-$62,110 earnings arc over five years reflects a 96% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.