Food Science and Technologyat Kansas State University
Graduates earn $62,479/yr in their first year — about 25.0% above the national Food Science and Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $548K; scenarios range from $508K to $551K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Kansas State University
Your strong earnings potential from Kansas State isn't just a number; it reflects the university's deep roots as a land-grant institution in the heart of America's agricultural industry. You're not just studying theory; you're immersed in a powerful ecosystem. The program's reputation means major food conglomerates and animal health companies, many with significant operations in the Midwest, recruit directly from Manhattan for their R&D, quality assurance, and production management roles. You'll find graduates working everywhere from massive grain processors to innovative food-tech startups. This isn't just about farming; it's about the science of feeding the world safely and efficiently. To maximize this advantage, seek out an internship with one of the big industry players in the region before you graduate—that hands-on experience is what turns a K-State degree into a top-tier career launchpad.
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 Kansas 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 Kansas State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Kansas State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Kansas 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 Kansas State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Food Science and Technology at Kansas State University?
A score of 64/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Food Science and Technology field.
What makes Kansas State University's Food Science and Technology program stand out?
Ranked #6 of 25 programs nationally, Kansas State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.