Nutrition & Food Science at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
57
Optimistic
56
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,728/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (306,000 openings/yr)
ROI 15.4x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 38 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's strong performance in Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services reflects its roots as a land-grant institution deeply connected to agricultural and human sciences. This program likely benefits from robust industry ties within Nebraska’s significant food production and processing sectors, creating a strong regional demand for graduates. You'll find opportunities not just in clinical dietetics at local hospitals like Bryan Health or CHI Health, but also in food product development, quality assurance for major food companies, or community health initiatives through extension services. The diversity of career paths, from postsecondary teaching to food service management, suggests a broad curriculum preparing you for varied roles where human interaction and critical thinking remain paramount. Given the high AI risk for some aspects of this field, focusing on advanced analytical skills, personalized client care, and leadership in complex food systems will be crucial. Develop strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities, as these are increasingly valued and less susceptible to automation.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $633K $621K $561K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.7x 15.4x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.6x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 57 56 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,432
Out-of-state: $110,992 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,696
-72% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,865
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,837
89% growth from Year 1

About University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 18,887 students in Lincoln, NE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nebraska-Lincoln →

Top Career Paths

Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary $77,280/yr
Dietitians and nutritionists $73,850/yr
Food service managers $65,310/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nutrition & Food Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Nutrition & Food Science at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
A score of 56/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Nutrition & Food Science field.
Will AI replace Nutrition & Food Science careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $560,940 in decade earnings vs $633,489 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Nutrition & Food Science program stand out?
Ranked #5 of 38 programs nationally, University of Nebraska-Lincoln lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →