Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,139
92nd percentile
Median Debt
$20,100
16% below national median

Analysis

University of Nevada-Reno's Nutrition Sciences program stands out nationally with first-year earnings of $37,139—putting graduates in the 92nd percentile compared to nutrition programs across the country. That's 22% above the national median and well above even the 75th percentile benchmark. The moderate debt load of $20,100 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54, meaning graduates earn nearly twice what they owe. Within Nevada, where only two schools offer this program, UNR graduates earn substantially more than their counterparts at UNLV ($27,171).

The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to nearly $40,000 by year four, which is solid if not spectacular. What matters most here is the combination of strong starting salaries and reasonable debt—graduates aren't making doctor money, but they're clearing a meaningful threshold above typical nutrition program outcomes while keeping borrowing in check. The 24% Pell Grant population suggests this program serves economically diverse students who achieve above-average outcomes.

For an in-state student considering nutrition sciences, this program delivers clear value: better earnings than the alternative Nevada option, top-tier national performance, and debt you can realistically manage on an entry-level nutrition salary. The relatively accessible admission rate (85%) means qualified students have a realistic shot at these outcomes.

Where University of Nevada-Reno Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all nutrition sciences bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Nevada-Reno graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Nevada-Reno$37,139$39,738+7%
University of California-Berkeley$35,161$64,929+85%
Cornell University$30,508$58,713+92%
North Carolina State University at Raleigh$33,669$56,784+69%
Rutgers University-New Brunswick$20,764$55,966+170%

Compare to Similar Programs in Nevada

Nutrition Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nevada (2 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Nevada-RenoReno$8,994$37,139$39,738$20,1000.54
University of Nevada-Las VegasLas Vegas$9,142$27,171$15,8150.58
National Median$30,508$24,0200.79

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with nutrition sciences graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Dietitians and Nutritionists

Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.

$73,850/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biological Scientists, All Other

All biological scientists not listed separately.

Bioinformatics Scientists

Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.

Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Geneticists

Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.

Biologists

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

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 Nevada-Reno, approximately 24% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 42 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.