Food Science and Technology (Bachelor's Degree) at San Jose State University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$52,084

Est. from CA median (5 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$16,999

Est. from CA median (4 programs)

Analysis

Food science programs in California cluster remarkably close in outcomes, with San Jose State falling squarely in the middle of the pack. Based on comparable programs statewide, graduates can expect around $52,000 in first-year earnings—virtually identical to the national median for this field. The estimated $17,000 in debt sits well below both the national median and what peer California programs typically produce, giving this program a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 that suggests manageable repayment even on entry-level salaries.

What this means practically: a graduate earning $52,000 could reasonably pay off this debt within a few years while building experience in food manufacturing, quality assurance, or product development. The Bay Area location could be advantageous for food science careers, though cost of living will eat into that salary. The tight clustering among California programs—top performers like UC Davis and Cal Poly SLO show only marginally higher earnings—suggests institutional prestige matters less in this field than in others.

The real question is whether food science itself aligns with career goals. For students genuinely interested in the science behind food production and safety, these numbers indicate a stable path with reasonable debt. If the interest is uncertain, recognize that similar first-year earnings across very different California schools mean the specific program matters less than the student's commitment to the field.

Where San Jose State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all food science and technology bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Food Science and Technology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (6 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
San Jose State UniversitySan Jose	$7,992	$52,084*	—	$16,999*	—
California State University-Los AngelesLos Angeles	$6,813	$52,806*	—	—*	—
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo	$11,075	$52,240*	$73,350	$20,654*	0.40
University of California-DavisDavis	$15,247	$52,084*	$65,196	$14,750*	0.28
California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona	$7,439	$51,883*	$62,994	$17,498*	0.34
California State University-FresnoFresno	$6,980	$45,796*	$56,851	$16,500*	0.36
National Median	—	$51,883*	—	$20,945*	0.40

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with food science and technology graduates

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

$87,980/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Food Scientists and Technologists

Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Soil and Plant Scientists

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Food Science Technicians

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Food Batchmakers

Set up and operate equipment that mixes or blends ingredients used in the manufacturing of food products. Includes candy makers and cheese makers.

$40,050/yrJobs growth:

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Set up, operate, or tend continuous flow or vat-type equipment; filter presses; shaker screens; centrifuges; condenser tubes; precipitating, fermenting, or evaporating tanks; scrubbing towers; or batch stills. These machines extract, sort, or separate liquids, gases, or solids from other materials to recover a refined product. Includes dairy processing equipment operators.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At San Jose State University, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.