Nutrition & Food Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,414/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk
High (45% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (306,000 openings/yr)
ROI
11.8x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
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 | $752K | $729K | $642K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.1x | 11.8x | 10.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.1x | 5.0x | 4.4x |
| 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)
$61,912
Out-of-state: $146,776 (5.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,017
11.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,867
171% growth from Year 1
About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
With a 57% acceptance rate, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is moderately selective, serving a student body of 30,435 in Blacksburg, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University →Top Career Paths
Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary
$77,280/yr
Dietitians and nutritionists
$73,850/yr
Food service managers
$65,310/yr
Compare & Explore
Nutrition & Food Science at Other Schools
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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nutrition & Food Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Nutrition & Food Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nutrition & Food Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University a good choice for Nutrition & Food Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →