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.