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Cheapest Foods Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

CUNY Hunter College delivers the nation's most affordable Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services program at just $2,446 net cost annually, nearly three times less expensive than the next closest option. This remarkable pricing advantage reflects New York's commitment to accessible nutrition education in a city where food service employment spans from hospital systems to corporate wellness programs. The $10,486 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs in this ranking demonstrates how location and funding models create vastly different educational investments. Public institutions dominate the affordable tier, with 13 of the 15 lowest-cost programs operating under state funding. Graduates face varied earning potential, from Southern Utah University's $20,140 median to Texas Woman's University's $36,104, reflecting regional differences in nutrition career paths. The food industry's growth in health-conscious dining and clinical nutrition creates steady demand for trained professionals nationwide.
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's nutrition program so affordable compared to others?

Hunter College's $2,446 net cost stems from New York's substantial public university funding and need-based aid distribution. The program costs less than half of Schoolcraft Community College's $5,372 rate, the second cheapest option. Hunter also maintains a 61% graduation rate, proving that low cost doesn't compromise completion rates. Students benefit from New York City's extensive internship network in hospitals, corporate wellness centers, and research facilities.

How do earnings vary among graduates from these affordable nutrition programs?

Graduate earnings span from $20,140 at Southern Utah University to $36,104 at Texas Woman's University, reflecting regional job markets and specialization paths. Murray State University graduates earn $27,439 annually, while Lamar University graduates start at $25,194. These differences often correlate with local healthcare systems, food service industries, and state-specific nutrition program funding. Geographic location significantly impacts both starting salaries and career advancement opportunities.

Is College of the Ozarks worth considering despite its unique work program model?

College of the Ozarks charges $21,290 in tuition but reduces net cost to $7,669 through its mandatory work program where students earn their education. The school maintains a 61.3% graduation rate and accepts only 21.13% of applicants, making it highly selective. Students work 15 hours weekly plus summers to cover educational expenses. This model appeals to students seeking debt-free nutrition education with hands-on work experience.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in affordable nutrition programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly regardless of cost, ranging from 15.3% at Schoolcraft Community College to 61.3% at College of the Ozarks. Hunter College achieves 61% completion despite being the cheapest option, while more expensive programs like Eastern Kentucky University graduate 49.7% of students. North Carolina A&T State University maintains 55.3% graduation rates at $10,980 net cost. Support services and student preparation matter more than price alone for completion success.

Where do most affordable nutrition programs cluster geographically?

Public universities in the South and Midwest dominate affordable nutrition education, with institutions in Kentucky, Texas, Utah, and North Carolina offering sub-$12,000 programs. Murray State University and Eastern Kentucky University both provide quality programs under $10,000 for in-state students. Puerto Rico contributes two affordable options through University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras and Ana G. Mendez campuses. Community colleges like Schoolcraft in Michigan offer the lowest tuition rates but variable completion outcomes.

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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.