Compare 32 Food Science. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $66,954. Top programs: $85,445+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Food Science tells a different story. Across 32 programs, earnings range from $38,289 to $85,445—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The school with the highest Food Science earnings isn't necessarily the one with the most recognizable name, which means prestige-based decision-making leaves real money on the table.
Topping the list, the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Food Science program delivers $85,445 in median earnings—well above the $66,954 average across all 32 programs. Cornell ($84,147) and Penn State ($83,112) round out the top three, with all three public and land-grant institutions demonstrating that Food Science outcomes track program quality, not school selectivity.
For student borrowers, Cornell leads on affordability despite its private-school reputation: graduates carry just $14,000 in student debt and face a 3.1% payment burden—firmly in the 'Excellent' tier. For families factoring in parent loans, Cal Poly Pomona stands out with a 8.6% family burden, rated 'Good,' on $75,601 in earnings—proof that the best value depends on who's financing the degree.
Highest program earnings: $85,445
Strong outcomes ($83,112) with 91% acceptance
3.1% payment burden | Excellent
8.6% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $85,445 | 24 | $20,484 | Excellent | $28,364 | Good | |
| #2 | Cornell UniversityPrivate | $84,147 | 35 | $14,000 | Excellent | $38,000 | Manageable |
| #3 | $83,112 | 38 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Manageable | |
| #4 | $80,979 | 32 | $21,500 | Excellent | $25,294 | Good | |
| #5 | $80,161 | 25 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,325 | Manageable | |
| #6 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $78,367 | 34 | $21,250 | Excellent | $27,283 | Manageable |
| #7 | $77,771 | 20 | $22,763 | Excellent | $26,243 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $75,601 | 24 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Good | |
| #9 | $75,466 | 101 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $75,060 | 36 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Manageable | |
| #11 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $73,994 | 11 | — | — | — | — |
| #12 | $73,677 | 45 | $19,000 | Excellent | $35,200 | Manageable | |
| #13 | $72,782 | 15 | $20,121 | Excellent | $23,000 | Manageable | |
| #14 | $70,705 | 23 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,729 | Manageable | |
| #15 | $70,571 | 63 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Manageable | |
| #16 | $70,537 | 20 | $19,976 | Excellent | $25,868 | Manageable | |
| #17 | $70,380 | 32 | $23,250 | Excellent | $37,401 | Challenging | |
| #18 | $68,719 | 32 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,968 | Manageable | |
| #19 | $68,114 | 28 | $20,500 | Excellent | $30,610 | Manageable | |
| #20 | $66,226 | 77 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Challenging | |
| #21 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $65,943 | 31 | $22,869 | Excellent | $25,950 | Manageable |
| #22 | $64,225 | 63 | $14,505 | Excellent | $12,050 | Good | |
| #23 | University Of FloridaPublic | $64,078 | 21 | $15,000 | Excellent | $18,837 | Manageable |
| #24 | Oregon State UniversityPublic | $63,531 | 28 | $21,221 | Excellent | $28,923 | Challenging |
| #25 | Clemson UniversityPublic | $63,501 | 59 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,463 | 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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
