Nutrition & Food Scienceat California State University-Chico
Graduates earn $31,673/yr in their first year — about 1.0% above the national Nutrition & Food Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $617K; scenarios range from $558K to $629K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Chico State
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Chico State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Nutrition & Food Science
How Chico State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Chico State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Chico State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Nutrition & Food Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Nutrition & Food Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Nutrition & Food Science at Chico State
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.