Foods, Nutrition, at University of Delaware

The University of Delaware's nutrition program produces graduates earning significantly more than typical nutrition majors nationwide—$7,000 above the national median and landing in the 95th percentile nationally. However, with only two schools offering this program in Delaware and fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers deserve some scrutiny. The 60th percentile ranking within Delaware suggests that the more established program in-state performs somewhat better, though the small sample makes direct comparisons difficult.

At $25,536 in debt, graduates face manageable borrowing—roughly eight months of earnings. That's fairly typical for nutrition programs nationally and translates to monthly payments around $280. Given Delaware's relatively strong job market for nutrition professionals and the state's proximity to major metro areas like Philadelphia and Baltimore, graduates have reasonable prospects for career growth. The starting salary of $39,066, while modest, provides a workable foundation for debt repayment.

The real question is whether this small cohort represents a stable pattern. With under 30 graduates in the dataset, a few high earners could skew the results considerably. For families considering this program, the strong national ranking is encouraging, but I'd want to see multiple years of outcomes before betting on these numbers holding steady. If your student is committed to nutrition and values Delaware's flagship university experience, the debt load won't be crushing—just don't expect dramatic salary growth in the early years of this traditionally modestly-paid field.