Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services at Keene State College

Keene State's dietetics program graduates earn about $2,100 above the national median for this field, though the small graduate cohort (under 30 students) means individual outcomes can swing these numbers significantly. At $25,798 in debt, graduates face a manageable 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio—lower than many healthcare-adjacent programs—and can realistically pay down loans while building their careers. The 25% earnings jump from year one to year four suggests steady professional progression, likely as graduates complete required supervised practice hours and earn their registered dietitian credentials.

The challenge is context: dietetics is a lower-paying healthcare field nationally, with even top-quartile programs producing graduates who earn around $40,000. Keene State performs respectably within these constraints, ranking in the 60th percentile for the state (though as New Hampshire's only reported program, that comparison is limited). For students committed to becoming registered dietitians—a career that requires this specific bachelor's degree plus supervised practice—the program delivers reasonable value. But families should understand this isn't a high-earning healthcare pathway like nursing or occupational therapy.

If your child is passionate about nutrition counseling and willing to accept moderate starting salaries in exchange for meaningful patient work, Keene State offers a financially viable path. Just ensure they understand the field's earning ceiling before committing to any professional program.