Nutrition Sciences at University of Georgia

UGA's Nutrition Sciences program lands graduates at $27,724 in their first year—about $3,000 below the national median and nearly $7,000 below top programs nationwide. While this puts the program in the 28th percentile nationally, that ranking needs context: Georgia only has two schools offering this degree, and UGA matches the state median exactly. The relatively modest debt load of $24,710 keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans within their first year's salary.

The real concern here isn't the debt but the earnings trajectory in this field. Starting at under $28,000 from a competitive state flagship (37% admission rate, 1301 average SAT) suggests nutrition sciences may not command the premium that the university's reputation might lead families to expect. This is a field where many graduates pursue additional credentials or pivot to related healthcare roles, so these first-year numbers may not tell the complete story.

For families banking on UGA's strong reputation to translate into immediate earning power, this program requires careful consideration. The debt is manageable, but you're paying flagship tuition for earnings that trail national norms significantly. If your student is passionate about nutrition and has a clear career path—particularly one involving graduate school or clinical work—the investment makes more sense than for someone still exploring.