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Food Science and Technology at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $60,351/yr (21% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (32% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (130,500 openings/yr)

ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #3 of 25 Food Science and Technology programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Food Science and Technology graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$557K	$553K	$512K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.3x	13.2x	12.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.0x	5.0x	4.6x
Probability of Field Employment	43%	40%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	65	65	60

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,988

Out-of-state: $110,732 (5.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,660

-73% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,530

4.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$63,741

6% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $60,351/yr, edging above the $49,845 national average for Food Science and Technology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 13.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Food Science and Technology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,530 in median debt against $60,351 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Iowa State University ranks #3 among 25 Food Science and Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $60,351 to $63,741 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Iowa State University

Iowa State University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 25,033 in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State University →

Top Career Paths

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980/yr

Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350/yr

Food scientists and technologists $85,310/yr

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Food Science and Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Iowa State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Food Science and Technology at Iowa State University?

At 65/100, Iowa State University's Food Science and Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Is Iowa State University one of the best schools for Food Science and Technology?

Among 25 Food Science and Technology programs, Iowa State University's #3 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →