Compare 8 Food Science. programs in the West. Average earnings: $63,065.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Food Science tells a different story. Across 8 programs, earnings range from $52,585 to $73,994—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Brigham Young University's Food Science program leads with graduates earning $73,994, well above the $63,065 average. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo follows closely at $73,350, proving that specialized programs can deliver top outcomes regardless of overall institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Brigham Young University graduates borrow $11,069 and face just a 3.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15, students can pay off their loans with about two months of salary.
Highest program earnings: $73,994
Strong outcomes with 69% acceptance
3.0% payment burden | Excellent - payment under 8% of discretionary
5.9% family burden | Excellent - payment under 8% of discretionary
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $73,994 | 24 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Excellent |
| #2 | $73,350 | 97 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $66,745 | 43 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,968 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $65,196 | 118 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $62,994 | 30 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Good | |
| #6 | $56,851 | 80 | $14,505 | Excellent | $12,050 | Good | |
| #7 | $52,806 | 15 | $13,000 | Excellent | $12,526 | Manageable | |
| #8 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $52,585 | 30 | $21,221 | Good | $28,923 | Challenging |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
