Nutrition Sciences at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,113/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,000 openings/yr)
ROI 15.3x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #13 of 47 Nutrition Sciences programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $568K $562K $516K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.4x 15.3x 14.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.2x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,768
Out-of-state: $107,084 (5.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,860
-60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,306
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,285
80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,113/yr, Nutrition Sciences graduates from Central Washington University land near the $30,533 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Nutrition Sciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Nutrition Sciences's typical career paths, with 44% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $20,306 represents roughly 8 months of the $30,113 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #13 of 47 Nutrition Sciences programs, Central Washington University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $54,285 show a 80% jump from the $30,113 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Central Washington University

With 90% of applicants admitted, Central Washington University prioritizes broad access, serving 8,081 students in Ellensburg, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nutrition Sciences at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Nutrition Sciences at Central Washington University?
A score of 37/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Nutrition Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Nutrition Sciences careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $516,061 in decade earnings vs $567,543 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →