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Cheapest Nutrition Sciences Colleges in California

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

California State University-Los Angeles offers the state's most affordable Nutrition Sciences program at just $4,113 net price annually, while private institutions like Pepperdine command $45,409. This dramatic $41,296 price gap highlights the value proposition of California's public university system for nutrition students. The CSU campuses dominate the affordable end, with nine of the top ten cheapest programs coming from this system. California's massive food industry, from agricultural production in the Central Valley to food technology companies in Silicon Valley, creates strong demand for nutrition professionals. The state's Cal Grant program helps qualifying students attend these programs with minimal debt. UC Berkeley graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $32,569, though even UC Davis graduates start at $28,697. Most affordable programs maintain solid graduation rates, with CSU Long Beach achieving nearly 70% despite its low $8,931 net price.
15
Programs
$4,113 – $45,409
Net Price Range
$30,633
Avg. Program Earnings
67.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Nutrition Sciences Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
2 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
3 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
4 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
5 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
6 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
7 $12,882 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
8 $13,741 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
9 $14,838 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
10 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
11 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
12 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
13 $16,174 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
14 $27,384 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
15 $45,409 $66,742 84.7% 48.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes California public universities so much cheaper for Nutrition Sciences?

California's public universities benefit from significant state funding and the Cal Grant program, which covers tuition for qualifying students. CSU campuses average around $7,500 in tuition compared to private schools charging $40,000-$66,000. The state prioritizes affordable access to health-related programs like nutrition sciences. Even UC schools like Berkeley and Davis maintain net prices under $16,000 despite their research focus.

How do graduation rates compare between cheap and expensive programs?

Several affordable CSU programs achieve graduation rates above 60%, with Long Beach reaching 69.9% at just $8,931 net price. UC Berkeley leads at 92.9% graduation rate for $14,979 net cost. However, some budget options like CSU-LA show lower completion rates at 52.6%. The most expensive program, Pepperdine at $45,409, achieves 84.7% graduation rate.

Does location affect the value of these affordable programs?

Bay Area programs like San Francisco State ($12,882) and San Jose State ($13,741) provide access to food tech companies and research institutions despite higher local costs. Central Valley schools like Fresno ($6,480) offer the lowest prices near major agricultural operations. Los Angeles area campuses connect students to the entertainment industry's growing focus on nutrition and wellness.

What starting salaries can graduates expect from these programs?

UC Berkeley nutrition graduates start at $32,569 annually, the highest among reporting schools. UC Davis graduates earn $28,697 despite the program costing only $15,288 net price. These earnings reflect California's high cost of living but also the strong demand for nutrition professionals in healthcare, food service, and technology sectors. The state's minimum wage of $16 per hour provides a baseline for entry positions.

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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.