Food Science and Technology at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public · Certificate

University of Kentucky has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 23,189 in Lexington, KY.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $49,123/yr, roughly in line with the $49,123 national median for Food Science and Technology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 38.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Food Science and Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $49,123 far exceeding the $20,481 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Food Science and Technology is offered at just 1 schools in our analysis. University of Kentucky's #1 ranking should be read in that context.

The 10 apprenticeship pathways connected to Food Science and Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
61
Score
62
High End
Earnings $49,123/yr (0% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (68% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (130,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$514K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
38.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$13,212
Out-of-state: $33,406
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,481
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Food Science and Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980 -1.3% 63%
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350 +4.1% 50%
Food scientists and technologists $85,310 +6.5% 65%
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
$87,980
-1.3% growth 63% AI-proof
Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary
$86,350
+4.1% growth 50% AI-proof
Food scientists and technologists
$85,310
+6.5% growth 65% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Food Science and Technology Career Guide

What can you do with a Food Science and Technology credential from University of Kentucky? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Food Science and Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Food Science and Technology Overview

Other Majors at University of Kentucky

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Food Science and Technology at University of Kentucky?
At 61/100, the score looks reasonable — but Food Science and Technology is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Why does University of Kentucky rank so high for Food Science and Technology?
The #1 ranking out of 1 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Food Science and Technology graduates?
The DOL recognizes 10 apprenticeship pathways related to Food Science and Technology. For students weighing University of Kentucky's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Food Science and Technology graduates from University of Kentucky find jobs?
At 130,500 annual openings, Food Science and Technology has a very large employment base. University of Kentucky graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →