Foods, Nutrition, at The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin's nutrition program costs less and earns more than most alternatives—a straightforward win for families concerned about return on investment. With $20,500 in typical debt (well below the national average of $25,256) and first-year earnings of $36,312, graduates start with a manageable debt burden of just 56% of their first-year salary. More importantly, earnings jump 47% by year four to $53,360, outpacing the national median by over $21,000 and putting this program in the 85th percentile nationally.

Within Texas, the picture is more nuanced. This program ranks around the 60th percentile for the state, with Texas Woman's University showing stronger outcomes at $46,399. However, UT Austin still beats most other state options, including larger programs at University of Houston and Stephen F Austin, while maintaining lower debt loads. For students admitted to UT Austin's competitive admissions (29% acceptance rate), this represents solid value without the debt trap common in many nutrition programs.

The combination of below-average debt, above-average earnings growth, and a respected flagship degree makes this a low-risk choice. Graduates aren't starting at elite salaries, but they're entering the workforce with room to grow and manageable loan payments—exactly what anxious parents should want from a nutrition degree.