Nutrition & Food Science at California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,673/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (306,000 openings/yr)
ROI 19.1x earnings multiple (7.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 38 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Chico State's program excels by preparing you for vital roles within Northern California's regional economy. Its above-average performance stems from strong local connections, providing pathways into area schools, healthcare facilities, and food service operations. The curriculum likely emphasizes practical skills and community-based nutrition, crucial for careers like dietitians working in public health or food service managers overseeing local operations. While some administrative aspects of the field face automation, the hands-on patient interaction, culinary creativity, and leadership skills you'll develop are highly resistant to AI disruption. Focus on internships that offer direct client engagement or management experience to build a resilient career.

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 $629K $617K $558K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.5x 19.1x 17.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.9x 7.7x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,256
Out-of-state: $79,776 (7.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,352
-84% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,375
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,110
96% growth from Year 1

About California State University-Chico

California State University-Chico has a 94% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 13,057 students in Chico, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 40% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Chico →

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 California State University-Chico

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nutrition & Food Science at California State University-Chico?
At 55/100, California State University-Chico's Nutrition & Food Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nutrition & Food Science at California State University-Chico?
The 45% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State University-Chico one of the best schools for Nutrition & Food Science?
Among 38 Nutrition & Food Science programs, California State University-Chico's #6 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →