Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services at Youngstown State University

Youngstown State's dietetics program starts graduates at $29,065—significantly below both the state median ($38,569) and the national average. Among Ohio's 15 dietetics programs, this lands in just the 25th percentile, trailing not only flagships like Ohio State ($52,247) but also regional competitors like Akron ($47,242). The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures might not tell the complete story, but the gap is substantial enough to warrant attention.

The earnings trajectory offers some relief: graduates see a 51% jump to $43,874 by year four, suggesting the field rewards experience. Still, that four-year mark remains below what Ohio State grads earn right out of the gate. With $27,729 in typical debt—roughly matching the state median but requiring nearly a full year's starting salary to repay—graduates face a tight financial window in those crucial early years when living independently and building savings matter most.

For families comparing Ohio options, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere unless there are specific circumstances (location constraints, particular faculty relationships) that make Youngstown State the clear choice. The program costs about as much as higher-performing alternatives but delivers markedly lower returns. If dietetics is the goal, programs at Cincinnati or Akron offer better positioning at similar debt levels. The small sample caveat provides some uncertainty, but waiting to see if future cohorts perform better means betting your tuition dollars on hope.