by our College Data Analytics Team
[Food Nutrition Services](/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/food-nutrition-services/) graduates earn very different salaries depending on where they study. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
College Factual analyzed 11 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying food nutrition services schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose food nutrition services graduates go on to earn the most.
Leading the list is Georgia Southern University, our #1 for food nutrition services graduate salaries in the Southeast Region. Located in the town of Statesboro, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. After graduating, food nutrition services degree recipients from Georgia Southern University typically earn about $52,866 annually.
Students chasing top earnings in food nutrition services will find them at University Of Central Arkansas, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Conway, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Food Nutrition Services graduates of University Of Central Arkansas earn a median of about $46,160 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in food nutrition services will find them at Winthrop University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Rock Hill, Winthrop University is a public institution. Food Nutrition Services graduates of Winthrop University earn a median of about $51,998 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in food nutrition services will find them at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University, which ranked #4. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school located in the city of Blacksburg. Students who complete the food nutrition services program here go on to a median salary of roughly $68,867.
Strong graduate earnings at The University Of Alabama earned it the #5 place for food nutrition services. Set in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. After graduating, food nutrition services degree recipients from The University Of Alabama typically earn about $49,100 annually.
University Of Arkansas earned the #6 position for food nutrition services graduate earnings this year. University Of Arkansas is a public school located in the city of Fayetteville. Early-career food nutrition services graduates from University Of Arkansas make a median of around $54,070 per year.
James Madison University landed the #7 spot for food nutrition services salaries this year. James Madison University is a public school located in the city of Harrisonburg. After graduating, food nutrition services degree recipients from James Madison University typically earn about $59,500 annually.
Johnson And Wales University Charlotte ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying food nutrition services schools. Located in the city of Charlotte, Johnson And Wales University Charlotte is a private not-for-profit institution. Food Nutrition Services graduates of Johnson And Wales University Charlotte earn a median of about $41,943 a year early in their careers.
Middle Tennessee State University landed the #9 spot for food nutrition services salaries this year. Middle Tennessee State University is a public school located in the city of Murfreesboro. Food Nutrition Services graduates of Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of about $43,316 a year early in their careers.
Meredith College placed #10 among the highest-paying schools for food nutrition services. Located in the city of Raleigh, Meredith College is a private not-for-profit institution. Food Nutrition Services graduates of Meredith College earn a median of about $54,133 a year early in their careers.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned the #11 position for food nutrition services graduate earnings this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. After graduating, food nutrition services degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill typically earn about $23,633 annually.
The ranking above is published by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their food nutrition services graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 11 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.