Food Science and Technology at University of Maryland-College Park

The dramatic 162% earnings jump from year one to year four tells the real story here: UMD's Food Science program appears to have an unusual pattern where graduates likely pursue intensive post-grad training or certification before entering higher-paying roles. That $24,341 first-year figure—landing in the 5th percentile nationally—shouldn't alarm you if your child plans to pursue graduate work or specialized industry certifications, which is common in food science careers at research institutions.

By year four, earnings reach nearly $64,000, substantially outpacing the national median of $52,000 for food science bachelor's holders. The debt load of $24,730 is reasonable and actually below the national average, creating a manageable 1:1 ratio with first-year earnings that quickly improves. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year—this isn't a massive program churning out hundreds of graduates.

The state comparison data is misleading here since UMD is Maryland's only food science program, making it both the best and worst option by default. If your child is committed to food science and wants to stay in-state, this is your only bachelor's option in Maryland. The value proposition depends entirely on whether they're prepared for that low initial earning period and whether the career trajectory afterward aligns with their goals—perhaps graduate school, a research position, or FDA certification pathways that justify the investment.