Nutrition & Food Scienceat University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Graduates earn $33,728/yr in their first year — about 7.0% above the national Nutrition & Food Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $621K; scenarios range from $561K to $633K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Nebraska
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.
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 Nebraska'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 Nebraska stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Nebraska
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Nebraska, 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 Nebraska
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.