Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services at Iowa State University

Iowa State's dietetics program shows promising long-term results despite a modest start, though the limited sample size means individual circumstances could vary significantly. First-year graduates earn $33,958—roughly matching both state and national medians—but by year four, earnings jump 41% to nearly $48,000. That trajectory matters in dietetics, where early credentialing requirements and entry-level positions often suppress initial salaries before professionals establish their practices or move into clinical leadership roles.

The $21,000 debt load is manageable relative to that first-year income, translating to a 0.62 ratio that's reasonable for healthcare-related fields requiring specialized training. However, this represents the 75th percentile nationally for debt in this program, meaning three-quarters of comparable programs graduate students with less borrowing. Given Iowa State's 89% admission rate and accessible profile, families should verify whether this reflects the typical graduate's experience or if scholarships and in-state tuition could reduce this figure further.

The real caveat here is data reliability: with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. For a parent evaluating this investment, the stronger argument is Iowa State's established dietetics program within its well-regarded College of Human Sciences. If your student is committed to becoming a registered dietitian and values the land-grant university experience, the debt level is workable and the earnings growth suggests the credential opens doors—just don't treat these exact figures as guarantees.