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Best Value Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Colleges in California

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

California State University-Los Angeles offers dietetics training for just $4,113 annually while Point Loma Nazarene charges $50,168 for similar programs. The 12x price difference reflects California's split between affordable public options and expensive private alternatives. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo achieves an 85% graduation rate, the state's highest for nutrition programs. California's massive agricultural sector and health-conscious population create steady demand for clinical nutritionists, particularly in hospitals serving the state's 39 million residents.
10
Programs
$4,113 – $50,168
Net Price Range
$29,947
Avg. Program Earnings
66.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,113 $26,585 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
2 $5,918 $29,685 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
3 $8,931 $34,259 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
4 $12,882 $32,925 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
5 $13,741 $32,925 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
6 $11,580 $25,194 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
7 $16,174 $28,055 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
8 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
9 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
10 $50,168 $43,550 73.8% 81.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost differences between California nutrition programs?

Public universities like Cal State LA charge around $4,000-$16,000 annually while Point Loma Nazarene costs $50,168. The Cal Grant program covers tuition at public schools for qualifying students, making state universities significantly more affordable than private alternatives.

How do graduation rates vary among California dietetics programs?

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo leads with an 85% graduation rate, followed by San Diego State at 78%. Several programs hover around 50-55%, suggesting varying levels of academic support and program rigor across the Cal State system.

Does location within California affect earning potential for nutrition graduates?

Cal State Long Beach graduates earn $34,259 annually, the highest among these programs, while Cal Poly Pomona graduates average just $25,194. Bay Area and Southern California locations typically offer higher salaries but also higher living costs.

What makes Cal State Long Beach stand out for nutrition studies?

The program combines relatively low costs ($8,931 net price) with the highest graduate earnings at $34,259 annually. Students also carry just $13,151 in debt upon graduation, making it arguably the best value option statewide.

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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.