Food Science and Technology (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$51,883

Est. from national median (25 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$20,973

Est. from national median (22 programs)

Analysis

Nebraska's food science program faces the common challenge of agricultural science degrees: solid technical training but modest starting salaries relative to other STEM fields. Based on national benchmarks from similar programs, graduates typically begin around $52,000—respectable for Nebraska's cost of living, but notably lower than what engineering or computer science majors earn with comparable debt loads. The estimated $21,000 in debt translates to a manageable 0.40 ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary.

The real question is trajectory. Food science careers often develop through industry experience, with paths into quality assurance, product development, or regulatory roles at companies like ConAgra (headquartered in Chicago) or other food manufacturers. UNL's strong agriculture connections and Nebraska's food processing sector provide relevant networking opportunities. However, families should recognize that the field's ceiling may be lower than other sciences—this isn't typically a path to six-figure earnings within a few years.

For students genuinely interested in the science behind food production and safety, this appears financially viable. The debt burden won't be crushing, and Nebraska's ag-industry presence offers practical advantages. But if your child is weighing this against other STEM options primarily for job security, engineering or data analytics programs might offer stronger earning potential with similar debt levels.

Where University of Nebraska-Lincoln Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all food science and technology bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Food Science and Technology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln	$10,108	$51,883*	—	$20,973*	—
Cornell UniversityIthaca	$66,014	$64,062*	$70,212	$15,750*	0.25
Kansas State UniversityManhattan	$10,942	$62,479*	$62,746	$24,844*	0.40
Iowa State UniversityAmes	$10,497	$60,351*	$59,332	$26,254*	0.44
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus	$12,859	$59,889*	$61,283	$20,534*	0.34
University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst	$17,357	$59,547*	$63,063	—*	—
National Median	—	$51,883*	—	$20,945*	0.40

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with food science and technology graduates

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

$87,980/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Food Scientists and Technologists

Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Soil and Plant Scientists

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Food Science Technicians

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Food Batchmakers

Set up and operate equipment that mixes or blends ingredients used in the manufacturing of food products. Includes candy makers and cheese makers.

$40,050/yrJobs growth:

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Set up, operate, or tend continuous flow or vat-type equipment; filter presses; shaker screens; centrifuges; condenser tubes; precipitating, fermenting, or evaporating tanks; scrubbing towers; or batch stills. These machines extract, sort, or separate liquids, gases, or solids from other materials to recover a refined product. Includes dairy processing equipment operators.

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 Nebraska-Lincoln, approximately 22% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 25 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.