Foods, Nutrition, at Lamar University

Lamar's nutrition program carries $21,482 in debt—about $4,000 less than the national median—which matters when early earnings hover around $36,000. Based on comparable Texas programs, first-year graduates typically earn this amount, putting debt at roughly 60% of that initial salary. That's manageable by most standards: you'd be looking at monthly payments around $240 on a standard 10-year plan, consuming about 8% of take-home pay. The program sits right in the middle of Texas offerings, matching UT Austin's outcomes while keeping debt lower than most peers.

The four-year earnings figure of $39,366 shows modest but real progression, though it's worth noting this still trails what Texas Woman's University graduates achieve right out of the gate ($46,399). For a family considering Lamar—an accessible regional university where 44% of students receive Pell grants—this program delivers on affordability more than earnings upside. The debt burden won't cripple your child financially, but nutrition degrees rarely lead to dramatic salary growth early on.

The practical verdict: This is a reasonable investment if your child is committed to nutrition specifically and values staying in Southeast Texas. The debt load is light enough that career changes remain feasible if needed, and the earnings align with state norms. Just understand you're paying for credential and stability, not standout financial returns.