Foods, Nutrition, at Parker University

In Texas, nutrition bachelor's programs produce widely varying outcomes—from $46,000 at Texas Woman's University down to $26,000 at Stephen F Austin State. Parker's estimated first-year salary of $36,300 sits right at the state median, suggesting graduates likely land in the middle of this earnings spectrum. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, the program serves a population where even modest debt loads matter considerably.

The concerning element here is the estimated $27,000 debt burden. While this sits just above the national median, it's notably higher than Texas's typical $21,500 for nutrition programs. That 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would dedicate roughly 9 months of gross income to paying off their loans—manageable if those mid-$30,000 salaries hold true, but tight for anyone in an entry-level dietetics or nutrition role that pays closer to the lower end of what Texas schools report.

For parents weighing this option, recognize that both the earnings and debt figures come from comparable programs rather than Parker's actual outcomes. The uncertainty cuts both ways: Parker could outperform the estimates, or graduates might face the tougher job market conditions that smaller programs sometimes reflect. The safest bet is to confirm Parker's specific placement rates and compare total cost of attendance against Texas Woman's or Texas State, where higher reported earnings might justify any additional expense.