Food Science and Technologyat University of Arkansas
Graduates earn $53,205/yr in their first year — about 7.0% above the national Food Science and Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $540K; scenarios range from $501K to $543K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Arkansas
First-year earnings of $53,205 at University of Arkansas come in 7% above the national median of $49,845 for Food Science and Technology programs.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.8x 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.
With first-year pay of $53,205 far exceeding the $14,746 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #15 of 25 Food Science and Technology programs, University of Arkansas falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
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 University of Arkansas'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 University of Arkansas stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Arkansas
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Arkansas, 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 University of Arkansas
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Food Science and Technology at University of Arkansas?
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.