Food Science and Technologyat Cornell University
Graduates earn $64,062/yr in their first year — about 29.0% above the national Food Science and Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $653K; scenarios range from $595K to $664K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Cornell University
While many food science programs focus on regional agriculture, Cornell’s Ivy League status and land-grant mission create a unique combination of prestige and practical research. You’re not just learning theory; you're gaining access to a powerful recruiting pipeline that places graduates directly into R&D and management tracks at global food giants like PepsiCo, Mars, and Nestlé. These corporations recruit heavily from Cornell precisely for its reputation in rigorous, cutting-edge food technology and safety innovation. Your degree signals elite analytical skills applicable to complex supply chains and product development, not just lab work. To maximize this advantage, seek out a summer internship with a major consumer packaged goods company after your sophomore or junior year—it’s the most direct path from the Ithaca campus to a high-impact corporate 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 Cornell University'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 Food Science and Technology
How Cornell University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Cornell University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Cornell University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Food Science and Technology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Food Science and Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Food Science and Technology at Cornell University
What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Food Science and Technology at Cornell University?
At 54/100, the score looks reasonable — but Food Science and Technology is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
What do students actually pay for Food Science and Technology at Cornell University?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,056. At a net cost of $129,348, the earnings multiple improves substantially.