Program Analysis
University of California-Davis's Food Science and Technology program produces graduates earning $52,084/yr — within striking distance of the $49,845 national average for this field.
At 9.9x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 32% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $14,666 in median debt clears quickly against $52,084 in annual earnings.
Ranked #10 out of 25 programs, University of California-Davis's Food Science and Technology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $52,084 to $72,469 shows 39% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.