Cheapest Foods Colleges in Tennessee

Middle Tennessee State University offers the state's most affordable Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services program at just $12,599 net cost, nearly half the price of private alternatives. The $20,011 gap between MTSU and Lipscomb University reflects Tennessee's public-private divide in nutrition education. With HCA Healthcare headquartered in Nashville and employing thousands of dietitians across its facilities, Tennessee nutrition graduates enter a market where healthcare systems actively recruit qualified professionals for clinical and community wellness roles.

Programs

$12,599 – $25,610

Net Price Range

$31,434

Avg. Program Earnings

58.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

5 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
2	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
3	Carson-Newman University Jefferson City, Tennessee	$18,661	$34,700	46.4%	79.8%
4	Southern Adventist University Collegedale, Tennessee	$24,334	$25,590	51.4%	65.8%
5	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Middle Tennessee State University such a bargain for nutrition students?

MTSU's $12,599 net cost beats every other Tennessee nutrition program by at least $5,500. In-state students pay just $9,506 annually, making it accessible even without significant financial aid.

How do graduation rates compare between public and private nutrition programs in Tennessee?

UT Knoxville leads with a 73.5% graduation rate, while private schools show mixed results ranging from Carson-Newman's 46.4% to Lipscomb's 68.7%. MTSU graduates 54% of its nutrition students despite being the most affordable option.

Do Tennessee nutrition graduates earn enough to justify student debt loads?

Average earnings of $30,305 to $32,563 align reasonably with debt levels at public schools like MTSU ($18,344 average debt). Private school graduates face steeper financial challenges with similar earning potential.

More Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Rankings

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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.