Nutrition & Food Science at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,540/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (306,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 38 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Ohio State's program in Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services stands out, leveraging the university's strong reputation and its prime location in Columbus. As a large public institution, OSU benefits from extensive alumni networks and robust recruiting pipelines into diverse sectors across the state. The Columbus metro area offers a dynamic job market, from major healthcare systems like OhioHealth and Mount Carmel, to corporate wellness programs, and a thriving food industry, all creating strong demand for skilled nutrition professionals. This variety, coupled with the "Related Services" aspect of the curriculum, likely allows graduates to pursue roles beyond traditional dietetics, such as food product development or public health education, contributing to solid career prospects. Given the high AI risk in this field, your success will increasingly depend on cultivating uniquely human skills. Focus on developing strong interpersonal communication, empathetic coaching abilities, and leadership in food service management. These are the areas where human connection remains irreplaceable, even as AI handles more routine tasks. Seek internships and experiential learning opportunities to build these critical skills and make connections in your chosen niche.

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 $589K $581K $530K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.5x 11.3x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.8x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 51 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)
$51,436
Out-of-state: $153,460 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,168
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,086
71% growth from Year 1

About Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State University-Main Campus accepts 51% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 44,617 students in Columbus, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio State University-Main Campus →

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

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nutrition & Food Science at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
At 51/100, Ohio State University-Main Campus's Nutrition & Food Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nutrition & Food Science at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
The 45% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Ohio State University-Main Campus one of the best schools for Nutrition & Food Science?
Among 38 Nutrition & Food Science programs, Ohio State University-Main Campus's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →