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Best Value Foods Colleges

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

Texas Woman's University delivers nutrition education at remarkably low costs, with students paying just $8,648 annually for in-state tuition while earning $36,104 after graduation. This 4:1 earnings-to-cost ratio reflects the strong demand for nutrition professionals across the Southwest, where food service management and clinical nutrition roles continue expanding in hospitals and corporate wellness programs. Murray State University offers the lowest net price at $9,121, though graduates earn $27,439 annually. The earnings spread across programs ranges from $25,194 to $45,529, with Indiana State University graduates commanding the highest salaries despite moderate program costs. Regional differences appear significant, as Southern and Western schools dominate the affordability rankings while maintaining solid career outcomes. The nutrition field benefits from growing health consciousness and an aging population requiring specialized dietary guidance, creating steady employment opportunities for program graduates.
50
Programs
$9,121 – $35,035
Net Price Range
$31,451
Avg. Program Earnings
64.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,188 $45,529 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
2 $10,948 $36,104 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
3 $9,121 $27,439 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
4 $14,981 $41,937 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
5 $13,816 $38,289 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
6 $15,152 $38,289 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
7 $12,599 $30,305 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
8 $13,670 $31,894 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
9 $14,838 $34,348 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
10 $16,698 $37,699 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
11 $15,624 $34,603 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
12 $11,429 $25,194 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
13 $13,782 $30,228 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
14 $14,159 $30,771 $14,766 64.3% 91.3%
15 $16,531 $35,416 $5,905 52.1% 88.9%
16 $16,438 $35,060 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
17 $12,869 $26,739 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
18 $17,722 $36,077 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
19 $18,292 $36,793 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
20 $19,889 $39,909 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
21 $15,015 $29,685 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
22 $13,853 $26,264 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
23 $17,525 $33,043 $9,748 70.0% 78.9%
24 $19,568 $36,077 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
25 $18,109 $32,563 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
26 $17,424 $31,042 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
27 $11,432 $20,140 $6,770 59.0% 83.9%
28 $16,025 $28,019 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
29 $19,678 $33,281 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
30 $20,413 $33,993 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
31 $17,216 $28,327 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
32 $20,332 $32,119 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
33 $16,378 $25,194 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
34 $21,611 $32,707 $13,365 67.5%
35 $16,775 $25,194 $10,118 53.3% 91.2%
36 $17,883 $25,194 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
37 $21,816 $30,228 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
38 $20,924 $28,719 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
39 $20,071 $27,307 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
40 $24,820 $33,281 $38,814 62.1% 90.7%
41 $16,353 $21,508 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
42 $29,694 $38,429 $57,016 70.8% 67.2%
43 $23,572 $30,228 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
44 $23,529 $29,685 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
45 $17,218 $20,921 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
46 $23,790 $28,133 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
47 $28,901 $32,707 $40,408 52.1% 73.3%
48 $23,691 $25,194 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
49 $32,478 $32,707 $40,408 54.9% 83.4%
50 $35,035 $28,019 $60,438 88.5% 12.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between nutrition programs?

Indiana State University graduates earn $45,529 annually compared to $25,194 for Lamar University graduates, creating an $20,335 difference. Geographic location plays a major role, as Midwest and Northeast markets typically offer higher compensation for clinical nutritionists and food service managers. Program specialization also matters, with schools emphasizing clinical nutrition or corporate wellness producing higher-earning graduates than general nutrition programs.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in nutrition education?

University of Georgia achieves an 87.2% graduation rate while charging $11,180 for in-state students, demonstrating strong student support systems. Murray State University graduates 59.5% of students at the lowest net cost of $9,121, showing affordable programs can still retain students effectively. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo maintains an 85.2% graduation rate despite higher selectivity, accepting only 30.43% of applicants.

Does program selectivity indicate better career preparation in nutrition fields?

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo accepts just 30.43% of applicants yet graduates earn $34,603, while Murray State accepts 83.98% and graduates earn $27,439. University of Georgia maintains selective admissions at 42.55% acceptance and produces graduates earning $38,289 annually. However, less selective programs like Texas Woman's University still deliver strong outcomes with graduates earning $36,104 despite accepting 93.63% of applicants.

Where can students find the best debt-to-income ratios for nutrition degrees?

Murray State University offers strong value with graduates earning $27,439 while the program costs just $9,121 net. Texas Woman's University graduates carry $14,104 in debt while earning $36,104, creating a manageable 39% debt-to-income ratio. Students should avoid programs like Stephen F Austin State where graduates earn $38,289 but carry $24,250 in debt, representing a 63% debt-to-income ratio.

What regional advantages exist for nutrition program graduates?

Southern schools dominate the affordability rankings, with Texas Woman's University, Murray State, and Georgia Southern offering strong value propositions. The Southeast benefits from growing food processing industries and expanding healthcare systems requiring nutrition professionals. Western programs like Cal Poly San Luis Obispo connect students to California's large food service industry, while Midwest schools like Indiana State University prepare graduates for higher-paying clinical roles in metropolitan areas.

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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.