Food Science and Technology at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State's food science program launches graduates into $59,889 starting salaries—well above the $51,883 national median and landing in the 94th percentile nationally. The debt load of $20,534 translates to a very manageable 0.34 ratio against first-year earnings, meaning graduates owe roughly four months' salary. For a technical degree at a flagship university, this represents strong value.

The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 recent graduates in the dataset, these numbers could shift substantially with a larger sample. That said, the pattern makes sense given Ohio State's strong agricultural sciences reputation and Ohio's significant food manufacturing sector. The modest 2% earnings growth to year four ($61,283) suggests graduates start at competitive industry rates rather than entry-level positions that require climbing.

As Ohio's only institution in this federal dataset for food science, direct in-state comparisons aren't possible. But the core math works: borrowing roughly $20,000 to access a career path paying nearly $60,000 immediately creates real room for loan repayment and lifestyle choices. If your child is genuinely interested in the science behind food production, processing, or safety, this program delivers both credential and compensation without burying them in debt.