Foods, Nutrition, at Oregon State University

Oregon State's Foods and Nutrition program shows a striking gap between immediate post-graduation struggles and mid-career potential. That first-year median of just $23,086 places graduates in the 5th percentile nationally—likely reflecting internships or entry-level positions in dietetics or food service—but earnings more than double by year four to $50,824. The $25,275 debt load is manageable given where earnings eventually land, though that first year will be financially tight for most graduates.

Here's the puzzle: while this program ranks near the bottom nationally for initial earnings, it sits at the 60th percentile among Oregon programs. That's not because Oregon State performs exceptionally well—it's because nutrition careers in Oregon pay less across the board. The state median matches OSU's first-year figure exactly. If your student plans to work in Oregon post-graduation, they're getting typical outcomes for the state. If they're hoping for higher pay elsewhere, they should know this program underperforms the national median by nearly $10,000 in that first year.

The critical caveat: fewer than 30 graduates provided this data, so individual experiences could vary significantly. If your child is pursuing registered dietitian credentials—which require supervised practice hours and explain those low initial earnings—the four-year number is more meaningful. Just plan for a financially constrained first year or two.