Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Bend, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,086/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (306,000 openings/yr)
ROI 13.4x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #23 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 $693K $676K $602K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.8x 13.4x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 4.8x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,376
Out-of-state: $139,776 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,888
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,992
12.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,562
167% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $23,086/yr fall 27% below the $31,506 national median for Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 13.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,992 against $23,086/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #23 ranking among 38 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services programs places Oregon State University-Cascades Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $23,086-to-$61,562 earnings arc over five years reflects a 167% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

With a 68% acceptance rate, Oregon State University-Cascades Campus is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 1,054 students in Bend, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus →

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 Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

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

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
The 45% 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 Oregon State University-Cascades Campus a good choice for Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Oregon State University-Cascades Campus'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 →