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Food Science and Technology at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
65 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
65
Optimistic
65
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings $59,889/yr (20% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (32% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (130,500 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 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 $593K $586K $540K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.5x 11.4x 10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.8x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 40% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 65 61

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,436
Out-of-state: $153,460 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,168
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,750
3.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$70,674
18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $59,889/yr, edging above the $49,845 national average for Food Science and Technology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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 $18,750 in median debt against $59,889 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ohio State University-Main Campus ranks #4 among 25 Food Science and Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $59,889 to $70,674 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Ohio State University-Main Campus

With a 51% acceptance rate, Ohio State University-Main Campus is moderately selective, with 44,617 students enrolled in Columbus, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio State University-Main Campus →

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

Compare this program → View all 25 schools offering Food Science and Technology →

Food Science and Technology at Other Schools

Cornell University ($64,062) Kansas State University ($62,479) Iowa State University ($60,351) University of Massachusetts-Amherst ($59,547) Michigan State University ($59,342) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($56,274) University of Arkansas ($53,205) California State University-Los Angeles ($52,806)

Other Majors at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Computer Engineering ($83,342) Applied Mathematics ($82,523) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($82,448) Industrial Engineering ($80,876) Mechanical Engineering ($79,359) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,872) Engineering, Other ($78,734) Chemical Engineering ($77,455)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Food Science and Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Food Science and Technology at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
At 65/100, Ohio State University-Main Campus's Food Science and Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Ohio State University-Main Campus one of the best schools for Food Science and Technology?
Among 25 Food Science and Technology programs, Ohio State University-Main Campus's #4 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 →