Nutrition & Food Scienceat Southern Utah University
Graduates earn $20,693/yr in their first year — about 34.0% below the national Nutrition & Food Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $530K; scenarios range from $492K to $534K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Southern Utah University
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.
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 Southern Utah 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 Nutrition & Food Science
How Southern Utah University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Southern Utah University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Southern Utah University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Nutrition & Food Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Nutrition & Food Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Nutrition & Food Science at Southern Utah University
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.