Food Science and Technology at Kansas State University

Kansas State's Food Science and Technology program launches graduates into the workforce at $62,479—nearly $11,000 above the national median for this field and placing it in the 95th percentile nationally. The debt load of $24,844 is reasonable, resulting in a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio that's well below concerning thresholds. This is Kansas's only four-year food science program, making it the default choice for in-state students, but the numbers suggest it's genuinely competitive rather than just a monopoly benefiting from lack of alternatives.

The catch is what happens after that first year: earnings essentially flatline at $62,746 four years out. This stagnation is unusual for a STEM-adjacent field and suggests graduates may be hitting early career ceilings in Kansas or the broader region. Whether this matters depends on your child's plans—if they're targeting immediate employment with major food manufacturers (several operate in Kansas), that strong starting salary delivers clear value. If they're hoping for rapid salary progression, they may need to pivot into management or relocate to food industry hubs.

For parents evaluating this program, the math works: graduates earn enough in year one to manage their debt comfortably, and they're outperforming most peers nationally. Just understand you're buying strong entry-level placement rather than a trajectory of rapid wage growth.