Nutrition & Food Science at Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
52
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,808/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (306,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.9x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 38 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Montclair State's strong performance in Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services reflects the robust demand within the dynamic New York metropolitan labor market. Your earning potential is significantly influenced by the sheer volume of opportunities in clinical settings, public health, corporate wellness, and the expansive food industry across New Jersey and New York City. The program's standing likely indicates strong practical training and networking avenues, connecting you to employers ranging from major hospital systems and school districts to food manufacturers and private practices. Your career trajectory will depend heavily on specialization; roles like registered dietitian demand specific certifications and often involve intricate patient care or program management. To truly leverage this degree, actively seek out diverse internships and pursue professional certifications. These practical experiences and credentials will be crucial for accessing specialized, higher-paying roles that require nuanced human expertise and critical problem-solving.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $594K $585K $534K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.1x 9.9x 9.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.2x 6.1x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 52 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,064
Out-of-state: $96,504 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,636
4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,616
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,325
68% growth from Year 1

About Montclair State University

Montclair State University accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 17,677 students in Montclair, NJ. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Montclair State University →

Top Career Paths

Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary $77,280/yr
Dietitians and nutritionists $73,850/yr
Food service managers $65,310/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nutrition & Food Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Montclair State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Montclair State University's Nutrition & Food Science program score?
This program scores 52/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Nutrition & Food Science graduates.
How vulnerable is Nutrition & Food Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Nutrition & Food Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 45% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Montclair State University rank so high for Nutrition & Food Science?
The #7 ranking out of 38 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →