Nutrition Sciences at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,675/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Large (58,000 openings/yr)
ROI 8.6x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #43 of 47 Nutrition Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nutrition Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $373K $383K $380K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.4x 8.6x 8.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 3.1x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,300
Out-of-state: $123,980 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,496
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,166
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $22,675 place California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo below the $30,533 national median for Nutrition Sciences — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 8.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The -2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nutrition Sciences career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $17,166 against $22,675/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #43 ranking among 47 Nutrition Sciences programs places California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo accepts 30% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 21,521 students enrolled in San Luis Obispo, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nutrition Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nutrition Sciences at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Nutrition Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nutrition Sciences at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
The 44% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo a good choice for Nutrition Sciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →