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Foods Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

College of the Ozarks stands out among affordable nutrition programs with its unique work-study model that keeps net costs at $7,669 despite a sticker price of $21,290. This Missouri institution accepts just 21% of applicants while maintaining a 61% graduation rate, making it one of the most selective yet successful programs in the field. The cost market varies dramatically across nutrition education, with CUNY Hunter College offering the lowest net price at $2,446 compared to programs reaching nearly $12,000. Public universities dominate the affordable end, though private institutions like the Universidad Ana G. Mendez campuses provide competitive options around $7,600. The healthcare and food service industries continue expanding nationwide, creating steady demand for nutrition professionals in clinical settings, school districts, and corporate wellness programs. Graduate earnings range from $20,140 to $45,529, reflecting the field's varied career paths from community nutrition education to clinical dietetics.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $16,531
Net Price Range
$31,498
Avg. Program Earnings
54.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $5,372 $4,448 15.3%
3 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
4 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
5 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
6 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
7 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
8 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
9 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
10 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
11 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
12 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
13 $11,432 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
14 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
15 $11,609 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
16 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
17 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
18 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
19 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
20 $12,932 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
21 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
22 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
23 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
24 $13,780 $7,566 28.9% 65.3%
25 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
26 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
27 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
28 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
29 $14,040 $8,549 46.2% 29.9%
30 $14,041 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
31 $14,159 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
32 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
33 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
34 $14,773 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
35 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
36 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
37 $15,015 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
38 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
39 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
40 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
41 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
42 $15,745 $10,314 38.7% 54.9%
43 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
44 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
45 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
46 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
47 $16,353 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
48 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
49 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
50 $16,531 $5,905 52.1% 88.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Hunter College the most affordable nutrition program?

CUNY Hunter College offers the lowest net price at $2,446 with an in-state tuition of $7,382, making it accessible to New York residents. The school maintains a 61% graduation rate while accepting 48% of applicants. Hunter's location in Manhattan provides access to major hospitals, research institutions, and food companies for internships and career opportunities.

How do graduation rates compare across affordable nutrition programs?

College of the Ozarks and CUNY Hunter College both achieve 61% graduation rates, the highest among these affordable options. Murray State University follows closely at 60%, while Southern Utah University reaches 59%. Several schools fall below 50%, with Schoolcraft Community College at 15% reflecting its community college mission of serving varied student populations.

Is College of the Ozarks worth its selective admissions process?

College of the Ozarks accepts only 21% of applicants but delivers strong results with a 61% graduation rate and net costs of $7,669. The school's work-study program allows students to graduate debt-free while gaining practical experience. This combination of selectivity and outcomes makes it competitive with much more expensive nutrition programs.

What earning potential can graduates expect from these programs?

Graduate earnings span from $20,140 at Southern Utah University to $45,529, reflecting regional job markets and career specializations. Texas Woman's University graduates earn $36,104 with manageable debt of $14,104. Murray State University produces graduates earning $27,439, while Lamar University graduates start at $25,194 with $18,760 in typical debt.

Where do public universities offer the best value for nutrition studies?

North Carolina A&T State University provides strong value with a net cost of $10,980 and 55% graduation rate, though graduates carry $28,110 in debt. Murray State University combines reasonable costs at $9,121 with 60% graduation rates and $27,439 in earnings. Weber State University offers the lowest in-state tuition at $6,391 with a net cost of $10,722.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.