Analysis
UNH's nutrition sciences program stands out nationally with a powerful earnings trajectory—graduates see their pay jump 57% by year four, reaching $53,466. That's well above the national median of $30,508 for this field, placing UNH in the 73rd percentile nationwide. The $27,000 typical debt load is actually below the national average for nutrition programs, giving graduates a manageable 0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio that looks better with each passing year as salaries climb.
The first-year earnings of $34,115 might feel modest, but they already exceed what most nutrition science graduates earn nationally. More importantly, the four-year trajectory suggests strong career pathways, likely into clinical nutrition, wellness consulting, or food industry roles that value experience. With only modest debt and an 87% admission rate, this program offers accessible entry into a field where UNH graduates demonstrably outperform their peers.
For families concerned about immediate post-graduation finances, the first year will require budgeting discipline. But the earnings growth pattern indicates this degree opens doors to progressively better opportunities—a worthwhile investment if your student is genuinely committed to nutrition sciences and willing to build experience in those early years.
Where University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all nutrition sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of New Hampshire-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | $34,115 | $53,466 | +57% |
| 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 Nationally
Nutrition Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,112 | $34,115 | $53,466 | $27,000 | 0.79 | |
| $35,570 | $47,470 | — | $28,628 | 0.60 | |
| $13,099 | $40,504 | — | $21,850 | 0.54 | |
| $38,814 | $39,317 | — | $26,323 | 0.67 | |
| $12,010 | $39,258 | $40,333 | $25,346 | 0.65 | |
| $12,186 | $37,993 | $42,604 | $22,639 | 0.60 | |
| National Median | — | $30,508 | — | $24,020 | 0.79 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with nutrition sciences graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Biological Scientists, All Other
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Geneticists
Biologists
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 New Hampshire-Main Campus, approximately 18% 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 93 graduates with reported earnings and 121 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.