Nutrition Sciences at University of California-Davis

UC Davis graduates nutrition sciences students with remarkably low debt—just $14,166 compared to the national median of $24,020—while delivering earnings that outpace three-quarters of similar programs nationwide. That 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, a threshold that typically allows for comfortable repayment even when starting salaries are modest.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. While the $34,512 starting salary is reasonable but not exceptional (60th percentile among California nutrition programs), four-year earnings jump 56% to nearly $54,000. Among the state's top nutrition programs, Davis sits comfortably in the competitive middle—trailing Berkeley and San Diego State by less than $1,000 initially, but its strong earnings growth suggests graduates are securing positions with real advancement potential. Given that 31% of Davis students receive Pell grants, the program appears to serve economically diverse students without saddling them with crushing debt.

For families weighing this investment, the combination of UC Davis's strong reputation and the program's minimal debt load creates genuine value. Your child won't start as the highest earner in their cohort, but they'll have financial flexibility to pursue graduate school, specialized certifications, or entry-level positions that open doors to better-paying roles—advantages that matter significantly in a field where many professionals eventually pursue advanced credentials.