Key Takeaways:
- Affordable schools for online nutrition degrees include Weber State University, California State University, and Huntington University of Health Sciences.
- Affordable online nutrition programs offer flexibility for working adults and are a smart investment.
- Programs include various specializations like Integrative Nutrition, Sports Nutrition, and Food Service.
- The top affordable online nutrition programs are accredited and ranked based on tuition costs. And they provide a pathway to advanced degrees and certifications.
Affordable online nutrition degree programs offer a flexible way to earn a degree and start a career in Nutrition and Dietetics. Working adults wanting to advance their nutrition career, can get an online bachelor’s in nutrition. This is a smart investment when you choose an affordable program. Fortunately, there are many affordable online nutrition programs out there.
Best Health Degrees found the most affordable nutrition programs. Let’s take a look at these accredited programs students can complete online.
Our editors first ranked online nutrition degree programs in September 2022. This ranking was updated March 2024.
Our Method: Ranking the Most Affordable Nutrition Degree Programs Online
For budget-conscious students, Best Health Degrees has ranked the most affordable nutrition degree programs. Only accredited, reliable nutritional science programs get BHD’s attention. But, for the most affordable ranking, one factor takes precedence: tuition cost, as reported to IPEDS. Here’s a look at our top 10 most affordable online nutrition degrees (ranked according to raw affordability) and where to get them.
| Rank | School | Location | Tuition |
| #1 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | $6,391 |
| #2 | California State University | Los Angeles, CA | $6,805 |
| #3 | Huntington University of Health Sciences | Knoxville, TN | $8,242 |
| #4 | Delaware State University | Dover, DE | $8,358 |
| #5 | SUNY Buffalo State University | Buffalo, NY | $8,486 |
| #6 | University of Texas San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | $8,945 |
| #7 | Indiana State University | Terre Haute, IN | $9,732 |
| #8 | Purdue University Global | West Lafayette, IN | $10,134 |
| #9 | Youngstown State University | Youngstown, OH | $10,478 |
| #10 | Wayne State University | Detroit, MI | $14,675 |
1. Weber State University
Weber State offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Education with two concentrations. Students can choose Integrative Nutrition for a dietetics degree online. In this online bachelor’s in nutrition path, students learn all aspects of nutrition. It has an emphasis on current issues such as botany, sustainable food practices, garden and greenhouse studies, and farm-to-fork. Students will be eligible to move on to a graduate degree and get their certificate in nutrition or become non-registered dietitian nutritionists.
The other concentration is in Sports. Both paths have required courses listed below and a Senior Seminar.
- Current Issues in Nutrition
- Nutrition in the Life Cycle
- Multicultural Health & Nutrition
- Food Values, Diet Design and Health
- Nutrition for Athletes
Weber State University opened in 1889 and is a public university. The school is a top performer in social mobility and one of the top public schools in the West. Students have an excellent return on investment with a degree from WSU.
Pros
- 2 concentrations to help tailor your degree
- Focus on sustainability and sustainable food sources
- Internship opportunities
- Lower tuition rates for in-state students
- Pathways to certificates and graduate degrees
Cons
- Larger student population and class sizes
- Higher student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1
2. California State University
The CSU Los Angeles School of Kinesiology and Nutritional Science is one of the pioneers of online education. The Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science focuses on food service, nutrition, and dietetics. This degree also provides the perfect gateway to graduate programs. CSU LA works hard to create newer and innovative ways to learn online.
CSU LA is one of the oldest universities in Southern California. Over 56% of the population is minority enrollment, which is twice the national average. They have over 120 degree programs including their dietetics degree online. This is a good value college to keep on your radar with much more up and coming in their 23 campus locations.
Pros
- Four different career-oriented completion options
- Diverse selection of electives and core courses
- Medical and rehabilitation focus areas
- Research opportunities for undergrads
Cons
- Large student population (over 26,000 students)
- 22:1 student-to-faculty ratio
3. Huntington University of Health Sciences
Huntington University of Health Sciences in Knoxville has one of the most sought-after dietetics degrees online. They offer two paths for an online bachelor’s in nutrition in either Nutrition or Integrative Nutrition. The Integrative program focuses on some of the most cutting-edge supplements used in Nutrition today. Both degrees require 120 credit hours with a strong background in Biology and Medical Pathology. The self-paced program has open enrollment, so students can start anytime.
Coursework in this program includes emerging and current topics such as:
- Complementary & Alternative Medicine
- Nutraceuticals
- Vitamins & Minerals
- Herbal Sciences
- Environmental Challenges & Solutions
- Sports Nutrition
Huntington University of Health Sciences is a private institution that opened in 1985. The college strives to help students reach their goals with a realistic course load that works with their lifestyle. They offer affordable tuition and financial aid, making it one of the best online nutrition programs in the US.
Pros
- Open enrollment with multiple start dates
- 100% online with no campus visits
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1
- Self-paced program
Cons
- Extremely small student population (50 undergrads)
- Limited selection of courses and electives
4. Delaware State University
Delaware State University’s College of Agriculture, Science, and Technology offers three undergraduate options in Food and Nutritional Science, Nutritional Science and Food Science, and Coordinated Program Dietetics. The bachelor’s in nutrition courses are 100% online, web-based, or in a blended delivery format.
Delaware State is a public university that is historically a black college. Their commitment to minorities goes back to a strong history in 1891. It is fairly competitive to get in with a 55% acceptance rate. Additionally, this school is one of the most diverse and liberal campuses on the East Coast.
Pros
- 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Core courses meet the Institute of Food Technologists standards
- Food science option
- Large selection of diverse courses
Cons
- 55% acceptance rate (fairly competitive)
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents (outside Delaware)
5. Buffalo State University (SUNY)
Buffalo State offers 3 dietetic degree online paths. You may choose a BS in Dietetics/Didactic Program, a BS in Dietitian Education, or an accelerated 4+1 and walk away with accreditation to become a nutrition director. US News and World Report ranks SUNY among the Best Online Bachelors. They make going to college convenient for your schedule with a rolling deadline for admissions. Expect to find yourself with a respected degree.
SUNY is a public university with over 19,000 undergraduate students. Admissions is slightly competitive with a 86% acceptance rate. Niche scores SUNY high with one of the Best Biggest Colleges in America and one of the Top Public Universities in America.
Pros
- Certificate and minors in exercise science and health promotion
- Rolling admission
- Pathways for graduate school
- 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Cons
- Low graduation rate (36%)
6. University of Texas at San Antonio
The University of Texas at San Antonio offers one of the best online Nutrition courses of study. UT San Antonio’s bachelor’s in Nutrition and Dietetics degree online prepares entry-level nutritionists with a solid education that provides service, particularly to the San Antonio area. The curriculum is rigorous and students will clock over 1200 hours of supervised experience for entry-level positions in clinics, food service, sales, healthcare facilities, and also long-term care facilities.
UTSA is a public university with over 29,000 undergrad students. It has an acceptance rate of 87%, and 37% of students go on to graduate school and earn a master’s degree in Nutrition.
Pros
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
- Joint degree options (BS/MS)
- Eligibility to sit for the national exam to become a registered dietician
- 80% retention rate for first-time students pursuing bachelor’s degree
Cons
- Large student population
- Must meet stringent admission requirements (3.0 GPA) for the program
7. Indiana State University
Indiana State offers an exceptional degree in Accelerated Dietetics where you will complete your Bachelor’s and Master’s in Dietetics in 5 years and be eligible for The Dietetic Registration National Examination. Students can also opt for the four-year bachelor’s in Food and Nutrition online degree.
Indiana State is a public university located in a city setting and about 70 miles away from Indianapolis. ISU encourages its students to grow like the mighty sycamore trees that surround their 470-acre campus and the whole state. Current undergrad enrollment is over 8,600 students with a 92% acceptance rate and 44% of students graduating.
Pros
- 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Career-focused coursework in nutrition and food science
- In-state tuition for residents of Indiana
- Preparation for registered dietitian (RD) credential
Cons
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
- Limited tech support
8. Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global’s BS in Nutrition rotates 15-18 credit hours per 10-week course. Their BS in Nutrition can also be accompanied by an accelerated 4+1 and gain a Master’s. This Nutrition and Dietetics degree online trains students to work as dietetic technicians in clinics, hospitals, wellness centers, private practices, and also the food industry.
Purdue University Global is a public nonprofit institution that offers the same world-class courses that Purdue University offers. Purdue graduates have over 180 US and global patents, and dozens of successful start-ups, and the school is home to one of the world’s three supercomputers. They even have Neil Armstrong as an alumnus along with 25 other astronauts.
Pros
- Holistic nutrition concentration option
- Open admission policy
- Preparation for multiple certifications (CCM, CDN)
- Superior online tech support
Cons
- 26:1 student-to-faculty ratio (higher than some schools)
- Large student population (33,510 undergraduates)
9. Youngstown State University
When you apply to Youngstown State University you have the opportunity to receive an accredited degree through the Council of Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Youngstown State’s BS in Applied Science in Dietetics degree offers one of the best nutrition programs because most students have to take their Master’s to be certified nutritionists. The degree is online and focuses on two areas of dietetics, food and nutrition. The bachelor’s degree consists of 120 credit hours and takes up to four years to complete.
Youngstown State is a research university that emphasizes scholarship and service. The school opened in 1908 as college course offerings through the YMCA, but today offers over 100 undergraduate majors. YSU is known for making learning fun. In fact, they even have a relaxation week for the students where you take free yoga classes, play with puppies, and get free massages. Online students can take part in many of these activities virtually.
Pros
- 1000 hours of supervised practice in dietetics
- 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Career-focused courses and curriculum
- Licensure and certification preparation
- Master’s degree pathway
Cons
- Requirement for supervised practice
- Slightly higher out-of-state tuition for non-residents
10. Wayne State University
Wayne State University offers three ways to get a degree in Nutrition. The BA in Nutrition and Food Science is less demanding and perfect for a food service atmosphere. The BS in Dietetic degree online is slightly more demanding with medical knowledge. The accelerated program is a 4+1 that leaves you with the potential to become a certified nutritionist. Wayne State ranks as having one of the best online nutrition degrees available.
Wayne State allows students a traditional college experience with multiple resources to take advantage of with 5 satellite campuses. They have over 400 organizations and studies abroad in 16 countries. Research expenditures are the highest in the nation with over $221M. The majority of alumni continue on to graduate school.
Pros
- Different pathways toward a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics
- Accelerated completion options
- 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, small class sizes
- Low in-state tuition for Michigan residents
Cons
- Higher out-of-state tuition for non-residents
- Slightly more selective for admissions (75% acceptance rate)
Frequently Asked Questions
With a 7% growth in jobs expected through 2032 (more than twice the average of all other occupations), getting a bachelor’s in nutrition is worth it. College graduates can expect about 5,600 openings for new jobs for dietitians and nutritionists each year over the next 10 years. Between new opportunities and job growth, nutrition is a good degree to get.
Most bachelor’s degree programs require 120 credits, and this is true for nutrition. Among these credit requirements are many nutrition classes. Some classes you can expect to take include:
• Applied Nutrition for Vulnerable Populations
• Clinical Nutrition
• Food Service and Healthy Cuisines
• Human Nutrition
• Nutrition Management
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Public Health Nutrition
There are different career options for students with a nutrition degree. Some of the most popular jobs in nutrition include:
• Food service director
• Food scientist
• Nutritionist
• Sports nutritionist
• Dietician
• Nutrition coach
A bachelor’s degree in nutrition takes full-time students four years to complete. Most online nutrition programs require 120 credits, which means you take between 12 and 15 credits each semester to graduate in four years. Some accelerated online programs can shorten the length of time to 3 years.
Earning a nutritionist degree can be a challenge. It involves rigorous coursework in biology, chemistry, and nutrition sciences. Some students find these courses tough. The curriculum demands a strong understanding of human physiology and dietary principles. But with hard work and dedication to the field, you can do well while earning a nutritionist degree.
The average pay for nutritionists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $66,450/year. The lowest 10% make less than $44,000/year, while the highest 10% make more than $95,000/year. You can make the most money working in these top-paying industries:
• Outpatient care centers: $75,860
• Government: $66,370
• Hospitals: $66,170
• Nursing and residential care facilities: $64,310
Yes. To become a nutritionist, you need a bachelor’s degree and certification. In some cases, you need a master’s degree and/or post-graduate certificate. A bachelor’s degree is your first step toward becoming a nutritionist.
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