Nutrition Sciences at University of Nevada-Las Vegas

UNLV's Nutrition Sciences program produces graduates earning $27,171 one year out—roughly $5,000 below Nevada's median for this degree and nearly $10,000 behind the University of Nevada-Reno. With only two nutrition programs in the state, this ranking matters: UNLV sits firmly at the bottom for in-state options, placing in the 25th percentile statewide and 24th percentile nationally.

The debt picture offers the only upside here. At $15,815, graduates carry about half the national median burden for this program ($24,020), which produces a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, that low debt figure reflects necessity more than advantage—starting salaries barely clear $27,000, which would make higher loan payments difficult to service. The relatively accessible admission standards (96% acceptance rate) and high Pell grant population (40%) suggest this program serves students with limited alternatives, but those students deserve better employment outcomes.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing with just a few data points. Still, the gap between UNLV and UNR—nearly $10,000 in first-year earnings—is too large to ignore. For Nevada families comparing in-state options, Reno's program appears worth the extra consideration, even if it means relocating. If UNLV is the only realistic choice, students should plan for graduate credentials or supplementary certifications to boost earning potential beyond that disappointing first-year figure.