Skip to main content

Best Value Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Eastern Michigan University leads this field with graduates earning $46,790 annually, while CUNY Brooklyn College students pay just $2,943 net cost for their nutrition education. This dramatic earnings spread of over $20,000 reflects the varied career paths within dietetics, from clinical hospital positions to community nutrition roles. California dominates the affordable options with four Cal State campuses offering programs under $9,000 net cost, positioning graduates well for the state's expanding healthcare sector where registered dietitians earn above national averages. The CUNY system provides strong value in New York's competitive market, where major medical centers like Mount Sinai and NYU Langone actively recruit nutrition professionals. Public universities claim 13 of the 15 spots, with net costs ranging from under $3,000 to $17,084, making nutrition education accessible across income levels. Florida International University combines reasonable costs at $9,133 with strong job placement in Miami's growing healthcare industry.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $22,633
Net Price Range
$34,129
Avg. Program Earnings
61.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,482 $36,041 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
2 $2,943 $26,121 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $3,830 $32,569 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
4 $4,113 $26,585 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
5 $6,500 $40,467 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
6 $5,918 $29,685 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
7 $7,668 $31,042 $6,920 30.2%
8 $9,133 $36,848 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
9 $8,931 $34,259 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
10 $12,313 $42,682 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
11 $10,204 $32,925 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
12 $14,229 $42,682 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
13 $17,084 $46,790 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
14 $12,267 $31,928 $10,110 47.6%
15 $13,945 $36,134 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
16 $12,882 $32,925 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
17 $10,997 $27,618 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
18 $11,877 $29,685 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
19 $12,909 $31,374 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
20 $18,292 $44,276 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
21 $13,741 $32,925 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
22 $19,585 $46,321 $33,560 56.7% 84.0%
23 $12,091 $28,055 $8,173 54.3% 98.4%
24 $14,981 $34,704 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
25 $17,883 $41,193 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
26 $22,633 $52,107 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
27 $10,353 $23,571 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
28 $15,336 $34,526 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
29 $16,334 $36,134 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
30 $15,931 $35,060 $8,478 53.7% 66.8%
31 $15,113 $32,925 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
32 $11,580 $25,194 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
33 $13,816 $29,141 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
34 $16,547 $34,526 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
35 $18,165 $35,952 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
36 $20,751 $40,728 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
37 $20,860 $40,647 $18,890 78.6% 59.8%
38 $18,998 $36,848 $10,951 63.3% 83.3%
39 $22,222 $41,937 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
40 $17,502 $32,925 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
41 $18,295 $33,993 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
42 $18,457 $33,459 $12,010 51.3% 78.5%
43 $17,324 $31,305 $8,356 38.3%
44 $13,726 $24,615 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
45 $15,898 $28,055 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
46 $16,174 $28,055 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
47 $22,150 $38,018 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
48 $12,579 $21,234 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
49 $16,487 $27,642 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
50 $19,164 $32,029 $14,710 58.4% 89.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools such strong values for nutrition programs?

CUNY Brooklyn College costs just $2,943 net annually while Queens College charges $3,830, both well below national averages. Brooklyn College graduates earn $26,121 starting out, providing solid return on investment given the low debt loads averaging under $13,000. These programs prepare students for New York's competitive healthcare market where entry-level positions lead to career advancement opportunities.

How do California State University programs compare in value?

Four Cal State campuses offer nutrition programs with net costs between $4,113 and $8,931, making them highly affordable options. Long Beach stands out with 69.90% graduation rates and $34,259 average earnings, while Los Angeles offers the lowest cost at $4,113 annually. These programs benefit from California's strong job market where registered dietitians command higher wages than most states.

Does program cost correlate with graduate earnings in this field?

Not necessarily - CUNY Lehman College costs $3,482 but produces graduates earning $36,041, outperforming much costlier programs. Eastern Michigan at $17,084 net cost does lead in earnings at $46,790, but several affordable public options like University of Illinois Chicago deliver strong outcomes. The key factor appears to be regional job markets rather than tuition levels.

What graduation rates can students expect from these programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo's 30.20% to Purdue University's impressive 83.10%. Most public universities fall between 45-70%, with Florida International University achieving 73.90% despite serving a large, varied student population. CUNY schools maintain solid rates between 49-60% while keeping costs extremely low.

Where do nutrition graduates typically find employment after these programs?

Graduates enter hospitals, schools, government agencies, and private practice settings across their regions. Those near major medical centers like Miami, Chicago, and New York often start in clinical roles earning $35,000-45,000 annually. California and Texas graduates benefit from growing healthcare systems and aging populations requiring nutrition services, with starting salaries reflecting regional cost of living differences.

More Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Rankings

Cheapest Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Under $20,000

Related

All Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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