Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,633/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk High (45% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (306,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.8x earnings multiple (2.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #34 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 $379K $388K $385K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.8x 10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.4x 2.5x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 47% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,956
Out-of-state: $157,320 (2.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,932
-44% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,633 place University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill below the $31,506 national median for Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 10.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 45% task exposure — and the -2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #34 out of 38 programs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's financial outcomes for Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill accepts 19% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, with 20,556 students enrolled in Chapel Hill, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill →

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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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

How does University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services program score?
This program scores 35/100 — on the lower end for Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 45% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services earnings lower at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Lower starting pay at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →