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Food Science and Technology at Clemson University

Clemson, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,600/yr (-21% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (32% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (130,500 openings/yr)

ROI 8.3x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #24 of 25 Food Science and Technology programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$519K	$517K	$483K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.3x	8.3x	7.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.3x	3.3x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	43%	40%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	46	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$62,216

Out-of-state: $157,992 (3.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$88,448

-42% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,500

6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,394

32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,600 place Clemson University below the $49,845 national median for Food Science and Technology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 8.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Food Science and Technology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,500 against $39,600/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #24 ranking among 25 Food Science and Technology programs places Clemson University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 32% earnings increase from $39,600 to $52,394 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Clemson University

Clemson University accepts 38% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, one of the larger campuses at 22,778 students in Clemson, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Clemson University →

Top Career Paths

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980/yr

Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350/yr

Food scientists and technologists $85,310/yr

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Food Science and Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Clemson University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Food Science and Technology at Clemson University?

At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Food Science and Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is Clemson University a good choice for Food Science and Technology despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Clemson University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →