Nutrition & Food Scienceat University of Idaho
Graduates earn $35,212/yr in their first year — about 12.0% above the national Nutrition & Food Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $512K; scenarios range from $478K to $513K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Idaho
The University of Idaho's program distinguishes itself by leveraging its land-grant university status, fostering strong ties to Idaho's robust agricultural sector and regional healthcare needs. This connection means your education is often highly practical, preparing you for roles in food science, community nutrition, and institutional food service management. Graduates frequently find opportunities with local and regional employers in food processing, public health, and K-12 education, where a deep understanding of food systems and human well-being is critical.
While some administrative aspects of these careers may see automation, the program’s emphasis on hands-on experience and direct client interaction equips you with essential skills that are less susceptible to AI disruption. You'll develop critical thinking and relationship-building abilities crucial for roles like clinical dietetics or educational outreach. To maximize your prospects, actively seek internships early in your studies, especially those involving patient care or food product development, as practical experience will be your strongest asset in the job market.
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 Idaho'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 University of Idaho stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Idaho
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Idaho, 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 University of Idaho
What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nutrition & Food Science at University of Idaho?
At 51/100, University of Idaho's Nutrition & Food Science program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nutrition & Food Science at University of Idaho?
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 University of Idaho one of the best schools for Nutrition & Food Science?
Among 38 Nutrition & Food Science programs, University of Idaho's #8 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.