Food Science and Technologyat Iowa State University
Graduates earn $60,351/yr in their first year — about 21.0% above the national Food Science and Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $553K; scenarios range from $512K to $557K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Iowa State University
Iowa State's strength comes from its deep integration into the American food and agriculture industry. Your education won't be purely theoretical; it's grounded in the real-world challenges of the massive food production hub surrounding Ames. You'll find that companies like Corteva, Cargill, and General Mills don't just visit for a career fair—they are part of the program's ecosystem, funding research and actively recruiting for roles in quality assurance, product development, and supply chain management. This direct pipeline to major employers is why graduates see such strong early-career outcomes. To make the most of this, aggressively pursue internships with these industry partners starting your sophomore year. That hands-on experience is what will truly set your resume apart and turn a good starting salary into a great one.
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 Iowa State 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 Iowa State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Iowa State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Iowa State 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 Iowa State University
What does a 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Food Science and Technology at Iowa State University?
At 65/100, Iowa State University's Food Science and Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Iowa State University one of the best schools for Food Science and Technology?
Among 25 Food Science and Technology programs, Iowa State University's #3 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.