Analysis
UConn's Nutrition Sciences program looks more promising than it initially appears, though the small sample size means these numbers could shift with more data. While first-year earnings of $27,575 fall below the national average for nutrition programs, the trajectory matters more here: graduates see an 85% earnings jump by year four, reaching nearly $51,000. That's significant growth that suggests many graduates pursue additional training or certifications after the bachelor's degree.
The debt picture offers real advantages. At $27,000, graduates carry roughly the same load as their peers elsewhere but enter with nearly a 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves dramatically as careers develop. Within Connecticut, this program performs solidly—hitting the 60th percentile for earnings—though that matters less here since nutrition science graduates often need geographic flexibility to find opportunities. The low national debt ranking (5th percentile) is particularly notable given UConn's strong academic reputation.
The caveat: with fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, these numbers could look different with a larger sample. If your child is committed to nutrition science and plans to pursue additional credentials like registered dietitian status—which many in this field do—UConn provides a strong foundation with manageable debt. The earnings trajectory suggests graduates successfully make that transition.
Where University of Connecticut Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all nutrition sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Connecticut 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut | $27,575 | $50,894 | +85% |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $27,575 | $50,894 | +85% |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $27,575 | $50,894 | +85% |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $27,575 | $50,894 | +85% |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $27,575 | $50,894 | +85% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Nutrition Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,366 | $27,575 | $50,894 | $27,000 | 0.98 | |
| $17,462 | $27,575 | $50,894 | $27,000 | 0.98 | |
| $17,462 | $27,575 | $50,894 | $27,000 | 0.98 | |
| $17,472 | $27,575 | $50,894 | $27,000 | 0.98 | |
| $17,452 | $27,575 | $50,894 | $27,000 | 0.98 | |
| National Median | — | $30,508 | — | $24,020 | 0.79 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with nutrition sciences graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Biological Scientists, All Other
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Geneticists
Biologists
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 University of Connecticut, approximately 24% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 64 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.