Food Science and Technologyat Michigan State University
Graduates earn $59,342/yr in their first year — about 19.0% above the national Food Science and Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $585K; scenarios range from $539K to $591K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Michigan State University
As a premier land-grant university in a major agricultural state, Michigan State offers more than just a degree; it provides direct access to a thriving industry. Your strong earnings potential isn't an accident. It's driven by the program's deep connections to the corporate food giants of the Midwest—think Kellogg's, Gerber, and General Mills—who actively recruit on campus for their R&D and quality assurance roles. You’ll be immersed in a world of food production, from dairy science to fruit processing, reflecting Michigan’s diverse agricultural output. This isn't just theoretical learning; it's hands-on preparation for the real-world challenges of developing, testing, and scaling new food products. To maximize this advantage, seek out an internship with one of these regional food processors before your senior year; it's the most reliable path to a strong full-time offer.
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 Michigan 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 Michigan State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Michigan State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Michigan 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 Michigan State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Food Science and Technology at Michigan State University?
A score of 62/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Food Science and Technology field.