What is the starting salary for Food Science graduates in Huntington?

The estimated starting salary for Food Science graduates in Huntington, NY is $67,800 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 135.6. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Huntington are 36% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Food Science degree worth it in Huntington?

A Food Science degree in Huntington has an estimated ROI payback period of 5.3 years, with a projected lifetime return of $543,908 after subtracting education costs. With 8 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $10,200/year, Huntington offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.2% and the major's national unemployment rate of 3% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Food Science in Huntington?

The average annual public university tuition in Huntington is $10,200, while private universities average $42,000/year. Including room and board ($16,543/year), total 4-year costs range from $106,972 at a public school to $234,172 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Huntington is $15,718/year.

What jobs can Food Science graduates get in Huntington?

Food Science graduates in Huntington can pursue careers as Food Scientist, Quality Assurance Manager, Product Developer. Key skills valued by local employers include Food Safety, Food Processing, Quality Control, Sensory Evaluation. The Huntington job market features Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include PepsiCo, Nestlé, General Mills.

How long to pay off student loans for Food Science in Huntington?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Food Science graduates in Huntington would pay $1,215/month on an estimated $106,972 in loans, with $38,785 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,093/month but save $20,176 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $67,800, monthly payments would represent 21% of gross monthly income.

Food Science Degree in Huntington, NY — Salary & ROI 2026

Food Science degree analysis for Huntington, NY. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$68K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$106K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

5.3 yrs

in Huntington

Cost of Living

135.6

index (100 = avg)

Food Science in Huntington, NY Overview

Huntington, New York (pop. 203,264) has 8 colleges offering Food Science programs. The local cost of living index of 135.6 is higher than average, so budget accordingly, with average rent near campus at $1,701/month. Food Science enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Food Safety and Food Processing. The adjusted starting salary in Huntington is approximately $67,800, growing to $105,768 by mid-career.

Food Science Salary in Huntington (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Huntington's cost of living index of 135.6 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$67,800(+$17,800 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$105,768(+$27,768 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$128,820(+$33,820 vs national)

Note: National average Food Science salary: $50,000 starting, $78,000 mid-career, $95,000 senior level.Huntington adjustment factor: 1.36x based on the local cost of living index.

Food Science ROI Calculator for Huntington

Estimate your return on investment for a Food Science degree using local Huntington tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $10,200 | Private avg: $42,000

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Huntington avg aid: $15,718/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$106,972

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$20,340

vs HS diploma in Huntington

ROI Payback Period

5.3 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Huntington

$543,908

Lifetime earnings premium ($650,880) minus total education cost ($106,972)

Student Loan Payoff for Food Science in Huntington

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$106,972

Monthly Payment$1,215

Total Interest$38,785

% of Monthly Income21%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$106,972

Monthly Payment$2,093

Total Interest$18,610

Interest Savings$20,176

Colleges in Huntington for Food Science

Huntington State University

public

$9,262/yr

$37,048 total

University of Huntington

public

$9,647/yr

$38,588 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Huntington Community College

$5,914/yr

New York Technical College - Huntington

$6,044/yr

Top Employers for Food Science in Huntington

Huntington offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Food Science graduates. National top employers in this field include:

PepsiCoNestléGeneral MillsKraft HeinzFDA

Key Huntington Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Food Science Job Titles

Food ScientistQuality Assurance ManagerProduct Developer

Food Science in Nearby New York Cities

New York City, NY

$83K starting · COL 166

49 colleges

New York, NY

$94K starting · COL 187.2

279 colleges

Oyster Bay, NY

$73K starting · COL 145

11 colleges

Buffalo, NY

$61K starting · COL 122

10 colleges

North Hempstead, NY

$71K starting · COL 141.3

9 colleges

Babylon, NY

$76K starting · COL 152.3

8 colleges

Yonkers, NY

$73K starting · COL 145.3

8 colleges

Rochester, NY

$70K starting · COL 140

13 colleges

Other STEM Majors in Huntington

Prompt Engineering

$68K starting · 1.5 yr ROI

Computational Linguistics

$129K starting · 2 yr ROI

Computer Science

$115K starting · 2.8 yr ROI

Software Engineering

$119K starting · 2.7 yr ROI

Data Science

$111K starting · 3 yr ROI

Astrophysics

$115K starting · 3 yr ROI

Actuarial Science

$68K starting · 3 yr ROI

Cybersecurity

$108K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Food Science degree outcomes in Huntington, NY: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Food Science programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for New York.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Huntington using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Food Science graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Food Science career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Food Science grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Huntington Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), New York students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (New York)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — New York programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "new york higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Food Science Degree in Huntington — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Food Science ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Huntington.

Food Science Overview Colleges in Huntington All Majors