Food Science and Technologyat Washington State University
Graduates earn $47,970/yr in their first year — about 4.0% below the national Food Science and Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $604K; scenarios range from $555K to $611K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Washington State University
Washington State University's Food Science and Technology program produces graduates earning $47,970/yr — within striking distance of the $49,845 national average for this field.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Food Science and Technology programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Food Science and Technology's typical career paths, with 32% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $13,750 in median debt clears quickly against $47,970 in annual earnings.
At #11 of 25 Food Science and Technology programs, Washington State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $47,970 to $70,646 over five years — a 47% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.
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 Washington State University'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 Food Science and Technology
How Washington State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Washington State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Washington State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Food Science and Technology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Food Science and Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Food Science and Technology at Washington State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Food Science and Technology at Washington State University?
A score of 61/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Food Science and Technology field.