Location: Blacksburg, VA•In-State Tuition: $15,478•Out-of-State Tuition: $36,694•Admission Rate: 57%•Avg SAT: 1337
Median Earnings (1yr)
$56,274
75th percentile
Median Debt
$26,875
28% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.48 ManageableSample: 24 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Virginia Tech's Food Science and Technology program produces graduates earning $56,274 in their first year—significantly above the national median of $51,883 and landing at the 75th percentile nationally. The debt load of $26,875 is manageable, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary. Perhaps more impressive: this program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt, indicating exceptionally low borrowing compared to peers.

The state comparison here is somewhat artificial since Virginia Tech is the only school in Virginia offering this bachelor's degree, making it both the median and the top option for in-state students. The program's national standing is what matters, and on that front, it performs solidly. The combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt creates a favorable financial foundation for graduates entering food manufacturing, quality assurance, or research roles.

The main caveat is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so individual outcomes could vary more than these numbers suggest. Still, for a technical program at a respected land-grant university with strong agricultural science credentials, the financial picture looks sound. Graduates appear well-positioned to manage their debt comfortably while building careers in a specialized field.

Where Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Stands

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

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityOther food science and technology programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earns $56k — 75th percentile among food science and technology bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

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

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg$15,478$56,274—$26,8750.48
Cornell UniversityIthaca$66,014$64,062$70,212$15,7500.25
Kansas State UniversityManhattan$10,942$62,479$62,746$24,8440.40
Iowa State UniversityAmes$10,497$60,351$59,332$26,2540.44
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$59,889$61,283$20,5340.34
University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst$17,357$59,547$63,063——
National Median—$51,883—$20,9450.40

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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, approximately 15% 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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.