Food Science and Technology at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota's Food Science program places graduates near the middle of the pack nationally, though it's difficult to draw firm conclusions from a sample size under 30 students. Starting earnings of $49,303 trail the national median by about $2,600, but the debt load is essentially average at $21,050—meaning graduates owe roughly five months of their first year's salary, a manageable ratio by most standards.

The 21% earnings growth over four years is encouraging, bringing mid-career salaries to nearly $60,000. In Minnesota specifically, where only two schools offer this program, these graduates land at the 60th percentile for earnings, suggesting they're competing reasonably well in the regional job market. For students planning to stay in-state, that's a relevant data point.

The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, one or two outliers could significantly skew these numbers in either direction. However, the fundamentals—modest debt, steady earnings progression, and outcomes that align with national norms—suggest this program offers a straightforward path into the food industry. It won't dramatically outperform peer programs, but it's unlikely to leave graduates struggling financially either.