by our College Data Analytics Team
[Food Science Technology](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/food-science-technology/) is a field where your choice of school can shape what you earn after graduation. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 4 schools on the early-career earnings of their food science technology graduates.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose food science technology graduates go on to earn the most.
Kansas State University earned the #1 spot for highest-paid food science technology graduates in the The Plains States Region. Set in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a public institution. Food Science Technology graduates of Kansas State University earn a median of about $62,917 a year early in their careers.
Iowa State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying food science technology schools. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students who complete the food science technology program here go on to a median salary of roughly $63,741.
University Of Nebraska Lincoln produces some of the highest-paid graduates in food science technology, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school located in the city of Lincoln. Food Science Technology graduates of University Of Nebraska Lincoln earn a median of about $60,931 a year early in their careers.
Strong graduate earnings at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned it the #4 place for food science technology. Located in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Food Science Technology graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of about $70,228 a year early in their careers.
This ranking is produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their food science technology graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 4 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.