Nutrition & Food Science at Southern Utah University

Cedar City, UT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,693/yr (-34% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (306,000 openings/yr)
ROI 19.6x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #29 of 38 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services programs

Program Analysis

The earnings profile for this program reflects a combination of regional market dynamics and typical entry-level roles in the field. Cedar City's economy, while growing, offers a more limited number of high-paying clinical or corporate nutrition positions compared to larger metropolitan areas. Many graduates often find fulfilling work in local community health initiatives, school systems, or food service management, which are crucial roles but typically start at more modest compensation levels. This foundational experience is invaluable but can take time to translate into higher earning potential. The listed AI risk also suggests that some routine tasks in food service or basic nutritional guidance might face automation pressures. To maximize your opportunities, consider pursuing advanced certifications like becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) immediately after graduation. This credential can significantly open doors to higher-paying clinical roles or private practice, especially if you're willing to explore opportunities beyond the immediate Cedar City area.

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 $534K $530K $492K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.7x 19.6x 18.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.4x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,080
Out-of-state: $82,344 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,728
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,753
116% growth from Year 1

About Southern Utah University

With 80% of applicants admitted, Southern Utah University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 9,533 in Cedar City, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Utah 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

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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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Nutrition & Food Science at Southern Utah University?
A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Nutrition & Food Science. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Nutrition & Food Science careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $491,882 in decade earnings vs $533,500 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Nutrition & Food Science from Southern Utah University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →