Food Science and Technology at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

The modest graduate volume at UT Health Science Center's Food Science program means we're working with estimates here, but peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $52,000 against roughly $21,000 in debt—a 0.40 ratio that signals manageable repayment. That debt load translates to monthly payments of about $235 over ten years, which is reasonable on a salary in the low-fifties. The program appears to align closely with national norms for food science bachelor's degrees, where the median earnings sit at $51,883.

What's less clear is how this Memphis-based program stacks up against its only in-state competitor with reported data: UT Knoxville graduates $48,441 in their first year. The estimated figures suggest UTHSC might perform slightly better, but without actual graduate outcomes, it's impossible to know whether this specific program delivers on that promise. Food science careers often require graduate credentials for advancement, so consider whether stopping at a bachelor's degree aligns with your child's goals—that $52,000 starting salary may represent a ceiling rather than a floor for undergraduates entering industry roles.

The low Pell grant percentage (13%) suggests this isn't primarily serving students with financial need, which may indicate better completion rates but doesn't tell you much about program quality. Given the uncertainty around these estimates, you'd want direct conversations with program faculty about job placement rates and whether graduates typically continue to graduate school.