Analysis
Texas State's nutrition graduates start ahead of the pack—earning $36,601 in year one puts them at the 86th percentile nationally and comfortably above the state median of $36,312. More importantly, earnings jump 29% by year four to $47,206, trailing only Texas Woman's University among the state's dozen nutrition programs. That growth trajectory matters in a field where many graduates plateau quickly. The $23,354 in typical debt sits below the national benchmark and translates to a manageable 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio.
The 60th percentile state ranking requires some context: Texas has relatively strong nutrition programs overall, so middle-of-the-pack here means outperforming 86% of programs nationwide. You're essentially getting above-average outcomes at an accessible state university with an 89% admission rate. The main competition is Texas Woman's at $46,399, but that $9,000 year-four earnings gap may not justify potentially higher costs or a different campus fit.
For a student interested in nutrition or dietetics who values both solid starting salaries and real income growth, this program delivers. The debt load won't anchor them financially, and the earnings progression suggests graduates are advancing into better positions rather than staying stuck in entry-level roles.
Where Texas State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all foods, nutrition, bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas State University | $36,601 | $47,206 | +29% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $36,312 | $53,360 | +47% |
| University of Houston | $27,648 | $47,425 | +72% |
| Stephen F Austin State University | $26,168 | $47,093 | +80% |
| Texas Woman's University | $46,399 | $40,121 | -14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Foods, Nutrition, bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Texas State UniversitySan Marcos | $11,450 | $36,601 | $47,206 | $23,354 | 0.64 |
 Texas Woman's UniversityDenton | $8,648 | $46,399 | $40,121 | $14,104 | 0.30 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $36,312 | $53,360 | $20,500 | 0.56 |
 University of HoustonHouston | $9,711 | $27,648 | $47,425 | $19,700 | 0.71 |
 Stephen F Austin State UniversityNacogdoches | $10,600 | $26,168 | $47,093 | $25,000 | 0.96 |
| National Median | — | $32,286 | — | $25,256 | 0.78 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with foods, nutrition, graduates
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Food Service Managers
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Dietetic Technicians
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
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 Texas State University, approximately 36% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 97 graduates with reported earnings and 124 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.