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Food Science and Technology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $56,274/yr (13% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (32% exposed)

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

ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #12 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	$575K	$569K	$526K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.3x	9.2x	8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.9x	3.9x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	43%	40%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	60	60	56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$61,912

Out-of-state: $146,776 (3.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$95,160

-54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,875

5.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$66,527

18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $56,274/yr, edging above the $49,845 national average for Food Science and Technology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

A 9.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% 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 $26,875 in median debt against $56,274 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #12 ranking among 25 Food Science and Technology programs places Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $56,274 to $66,527 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

With a 57% acceptance rate, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 30,435 students in Blacksburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University →

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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

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 60/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Food Science and Technology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?

At 60/100, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's Food Science and Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

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