Nutrition Sciences at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,161/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,000 openings/yr)
ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 47 Nutrition Sciences programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

Your Berkeley Nutrition Sciences degree benefits significantly from the university's elite reputation and the Bay Area's robust biotech and health innovation ecosystem. Graduates often find pathways into research roles, food science R&D, or public health initiatives, often with companies or institutions that value rigorous scientific training. The program's strong foundational science prepares you for competitive roles, particularly those requiring advanced analytical skills or a stepping stone to graduate studies in dietetics, public health, or medicine. However, the "high" AI risk for this field means you should actively cultivate interdisciplinary skills. Focus on data interpretation, critical thinking, and communication, which are harder for AI to replicate. Leverage Berkeley's vast resources and network to explore emerging areas like personalized nutrition or health technology. Your actionable advice: seek internships that combine nutrition science with data analytics or product development to future-proof your career.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nutrition Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $751K $731K $644K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.6x 12.3x 10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.0x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,400
Out-of-state: $182,508 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,916
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,177
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,253
120% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Berkeley

Only 12% of applicants gain admission to University of California-Berkeley, reflecting elite selectivity, serving a student body of 33,073 in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nutrition Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Berkeley

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of California-Berkeley's Nutrition Sciences program score?
This program scores 46/100 — on the lower end for Nutrition Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Nutrition Sciences to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Nutrition Sciences careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of California-Berkeley rank so high for Nutrition Sciences?
The #1 ranking out of 47 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →