Analysis
Based on comparable nutrition sciences programs in Texas, graduates typically start around $34,726, with this program showing growth to $46,780 by year four. That 35% jump over three years suggests the field rewards experience, though you're still looking at relatively modest early earnings. The estimated $26,323 in debt creates a manageable but not negligible burden—about nine months of first-year salary.
The real question is trajectory. While the four-year figure beats the Texas state median by a healthy margin, nutrition sciences as a field tends to start slow. The national benchmark sits at just $30,508, meaning even the estimated Texas starting salary represents above-average positioning. For context, Texas A&M's nutrition graduates reportedly earn $40,504 early on, while Texas Tech's come in at $23,843—a wide range that highlights how much program quality and local opportunities matter.
With 43% of students on Pell grants and a 93% acceptance rate, University of the Incarnate Word serves a broad population in San Antonio. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 is reasonable for a bachelor's degree, but your child should understand they're entering a helping profession with modest initial pay. If they're targeting registered dietitian status or graduate work, these figures are just the beginning of the investment. If they're hoping to earn quickly after graduation, the four-year number matters more than the starting salary.
Where University of the Incarnate Word Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all nutrition sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Incarnate Word | — | $46,780 | — |
| 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% |
| Texas Woman's University | $34,726 | $47,826 | +38% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Nutrition Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,660 | $34,726* | $46,780 | $26,323* | — | |
| $13,099 | $40,504* | — | $21,850* | 0.54 | |
| $8,648 | $34,726* | $47,826 | $28,211* | 0.81 | |
| $11,852 | $23,843* | — | $24,250* | 1.02 | |
| 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 the Incarnate Word, approximately 43% 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 median of 3 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.