Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services at Benedictine University

Lisle, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,474/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (306,000 openings/yr)
ROI 4.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #35 of 38 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $601K $591K $538K
Earnings Multiple 4.4x 4.3x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$137,160
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,116
31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
10.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,710
110% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,474/yr fall 16% below the $31,506 national median for Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 4.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 45% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,000 debt-to-$26,474 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #35 out of 38 programs, Benedictine University's financial outcomes for Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $26,474 to $55,710 over five years (110% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Benedictine University

Benedictine University has a 77% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 1,817 students in Lisle, IL. The average net cost of $94,116 over four years represents a 31% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Benedictine University →

Top Career Paths

Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary $77,280/yr
Dietitians and nutritionists $73,850/yr
Food service managers $65,310/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Benedictine University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Benedictine University's Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services program score?
This program scores 33/100 — on the lower end for Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 45% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services earnings lower at Benedictine University?
Lower starting pay at Benedictine University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →