Food Science and Technologyat Oregon State University-Cascades Campus
Graduates earn $43,923/yr in their first year — about 12.0% below the national Food Science and Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $560K; scenarios range from $518K to $564K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at OSU Cascades
At $43,923/yr, Food Science and Technology graduates from Oregon State University-Cascades Campus land near the $49,845 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Food Science and Technology programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Food Science and Technology's typical career paths, with 32% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $20,945 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
Ranked #16 of 25 Food Science and Technology programs, Oregon State University-Cascades Campus falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $43,923 to $61,467 over five years — a 40% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.
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 OSU Cascades'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 OSU Cascades stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at OSU Cascades
Other highest-scoring programs offered at OSU Cascades, 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 OSU Cascades
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Food Science and Technology at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
This program scores 56/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Food Science and Technology programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.