Nutrition & Food Scienceat Stephen F Austin State University
Graduates earn $26,168/yr in their first year — about 17.0% below the national Nutrition & Food Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $547K; scenarios range from $505K to $552K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Stephen F Austin State University
The financial outlook for this program presents unique challenges, largely influenced by the regional labor market and the broad nature of the degree. Nacogdoches, a smaller, more rural market, often provides fewer high-paying opportunities for graduates in general nutrition or food service management compared to major metropolitan areas. You’ll likely find roles in local schools, nursing homes, or community health initiatives, which typically offer more modest compensation.
While paths like becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist exist, the general "Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services" scope may not directly provide the specific accreditation and supervised practice needed for those higher-paying, specialized clinical roles. Your career trajectory will heavily depend on additional certifications or advanced degrees. If this field is your passion, consider pursuing specific certifications or relocating to a larger city with a more diverse healthcare and corporate wellness sector to maximize your earning potential.
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 Stephen F Austin State 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 Stephen F Austin State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Stephen F Austin State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Stephen F Austin State 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 Stephen F Austin State University
What does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nutrition & Food Science at Stephen F Austin State University?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Nutrition & Food Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nutrition & Food Science at Stephen F Austin State University?
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 Stephen F Austin State University a good choice for Nutrition & Food Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Stephen F Austin State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.