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Food Science and Technology at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $59,547/yr (19% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (32% exposed)

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

ROI 8.7x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #8 of 25 Food Science and Technology programs Top 50%

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	$614K	$607K	$557K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.8x	8.7x	8.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.9x	3.9x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	43%	40%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	63	62	58

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$69,428

Out-of-state: $157,172 (3.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$94,764

-36% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$74,581

25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $59,547 per year, Food Science and Technology graduates from University of Massachusetts-Amherst earn slightly above the $49,845 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.7x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Food Science and Technology's typical career paths, with 32% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

At #8 of 25 Food Science and Technology programs, University of Massachusetts-Amherst scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $59,547 to $74,581 over five years — a 25% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Massachusetts-Amherst accepts 58% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 23,694 in Amherst, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Amherst →

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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Food Science and Technology at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?

A score of 62/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Food Science and Technology field.

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