For working adults who want to advance their nutrition career, an online bachelor’s in nutrition can be a smart investment. However, those who are paying their own way through school have to be conscious of how much they’re prepared to spend. Fortunately, there are many ways to save and find an affordable online nutrition degree.
A simple way to help cut the costs of your bachelor’s degree in nutrition is to start on your program at a community college. A community college allows you to complete the first two years of your education at a lower cost when compared to a traditional bachelor’s program at a university. It helps you complete your general studies courses and ensures that you are able to avoid high costs for the first years of your program. You can then transfer credits into an online bachelor’s program to finish your degree.
Our Method: Ranking the Most Affordable Online Nutrition Degree Programs
For budget-conscious students, Best Health Degrees has ranked the most affordable online nutrition degree programs. Only accredited, reliable programs get BHD’s attention, but for the most affordable ranking, one factor takes precedence: tuition cost, as reported to IPEDS.
1. California State University, Los Angeles
The CSU Los Angeles School of Kinesiology and Nutritional Science is located in Los Angeles, CA with over 23 campuses and the best online nutrition degree in the area. CSU LA is one of the pioneers of online education at their School of Nutritional Science. The Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional science focuses on food service, nutrition, and dietetics. It also provides the perfect gateway to graduate studies. CSU LA is constantly creating newer and innovative ways to learn online.
CSU LA is one of the oldest universities in Southern California. It is known for being the #1 school in the US for upward mobility. 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.
Degree: BS in Nutritional Science
Interested? Check out the program site!
2. Huntington University of Health Sciences
Huntington University of Health Sciences in Knoxville, TN is known for having one of the most sought-after dietetics degrees online. They offer two paths for your Bachelor’s, either Nutrition or Integrative Nutrition. Integrative Nutrition focuses on some of the most cutting-edge supplements that are used in Nutrition today. Both degrees require 129 credit hours with a strong background in Biology and Medical Pathology. The program is self-paced and can start at any time with ongoing open enrollment.
Huntington University of Health Sciences is a private institution that was formed in 1985 and the first online accredited schools in health sciences. The college was started to help the personal and professional student reach their ultimate goals while still having a realistic course load that works with their lifestyle. They offer affordable tuition and financial aid, making it known as the best online nutrition degree in the US.
Degree: BS in Nutrition
Interested? Check out the program site!
3. Weber State University
Weber State University offers a BS in Nutrition Education with a concentration in Integrative Nutrition for students seeking a dietetics degree online. Students will learn all aspects of nutrition with 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 a non-registered dietitian nutritionist.
Weber State University is a public university founded in 1889. Undergraduate enrollment is at 11,300+ students. It was rated #67 out of 1000 colleges for Most Conservative College in the US by Niche. They are considered a top performer in social mobility and one of the top public schools in the West. Return of investment with a degree from WSU is rated in the top 50.
Degree: BS in Nutrition Education – Integrative Nutrition concentration
Interested? Check out the program site!
4. Indiana State University
Indiana State University 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. For those that don’t wish to be registered, they still offer online Bachelor’s in Food and Nutrition.
Indiana State is a public university located in a city setting and about 70 miles away from Indianapolis. ISU is known for encouraging its students to grow like the mighty sycamore trees that surround their 470-acre campus and the whole state. Indiana State has a very active Greek Life and athletic department. Current undergrad enrollment is 9300+ students with an 85% acceptance rate and 39% of students graduating.
Degree: BS in Food and Nutrition coordinated Dietetics program
Interested? Check out the program site!
5. Youngstown State University
When you apply to Youngstown State University you have the unusual opportunity to receive accreditation through the Council of Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Youngstown State’s BS in Applied Science in Dietetics degree online offers one of the best online nutrition degrees because most students have to take their Master’s to be certified nutritionists.
Youngstown State is a research university that emphasizes scholarship and service. It was founded in 1908 as college course offerings through the YMCA and has grown to over 100 undergraduate majors. They are known for making learning fun. In fact, they even have a relaxation week for the students where they can take free yoga classes, play with puppies, and get free massages.
Degree: BS in Applied Science in Dietetics
Interested? Check out the program site!
6. 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. With your Nutrition and Dietetics degree online you will be trained as a dietetic technician in clinics, hospitals, wellness centers, private practices, and the food industry.
Purdue University Global is a public nonprofit institution that offers the same world-class courses that Purdue University offers. Purdue is known for great accomplishments such as 180 US and global patents, dozens of successful start-ups, and home to one of the world’s three supercomputers. They even have Neil Armstrong as alumni along with 25 other astronauts. You can aim high with Purdue.
Degree: BS in Nutrition
Interested? Check out the program site!
7. 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 is known for having some of the best online nutrition degree courses.
Wayne State University allows students a traditional college experience with multiple resources to take advantage of with 5 satellite campuses. They have over 400 organizations and study abroad in 16 countries. Research expenditures are the highest in the nation with over $221M. The majority of alumni continue on to graduate school.
Degree: BA or BS in Nutrition & Food Science, or BS in Dietetics
Interested? Check out the program site!
8. Buffalo State University (SUNY)
Buffalo State University offers 3 dietetic degree online paths. You may choose a BS in Dietetics/Didactic Program, 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 as #23 for Best Online Bachelors. They make going to college convenient to your schedule with a rolling deadline to admissions. Expect to find yourself with a respected degree.
SUNY is a highly rated public university with over 19,000+ undergraduate students. Admissions are fairly competitive with a 57% acceptance rate. Over 75% of students go on to graduate. Niche scores SUNY high with one of the Best Biggest Colleges in America and one of the Top Public Universities in America.
Degree: BS in Dietetics – Didactic Program, Dietician Education, or 4+1
Interested? Check out the program site!
9. University of Texas at San Antonio
The University of Texas at San Antonio is known for offering one of the Best Online Nutrition Degree courses of study by US News and World Reports. UT San Antonio’s BS in Nutrition and Dietetics degree online is meant to prepare 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 long-term care facilities.
UTSA is a public university with over 21,000+ undergrad students enrolled but only 225 in the Nutrition and Kinesiology Depart online. It has an acceptance rate of 79% and 37% of students go on to graduate and get a Masters in Nutrition.
Degree: BS in Nutrition and Dietetics
Interested? Check out the program site!
10. 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 online courses can be 100% online, web-based or blended.
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 45% acceptance rate. They are known for being one of the most diverse and liberal campuses–not to mention one of the most active Greek Life activities on the East Coast.
Degree: BS in Food and Nutrition Sciences
Interested? Check out the program site!
What are Some Careers in Nutrition?
When you are looking into careers in nutrition, you may have concerns about the number of opportunities. While careers in nutrition and wellness may seem limited at first glance, you actually have a wide array of options for your long-term goals.
The obvious career in nutrition and dietetics is working as a nutritionist. A nutritionist may work with medical facilities or doctors to help patients find the ideal diet based on their situation and health conditions. Alternatively, you may work as a private professional in a similar role.
Although careers in nutrition and health may focus primarily on the medical industry, you may also find options in the private sector. Careers in nutrition and food science focus on addressing concerns for corporations that work in the food industry. You may have opportunities within food science to find ways to increase crop yields or make the most of the crops. Alternatively, you can focus on improving current food items within a private company.
You can also work in sports nutrition to help athletes find the best diet for their goals. Sports nutritionists focus on a specific subset of individuals who may have a complex situation.
Careers in nutrition without a degree may focus on life coaching or nutrition coaching. The degree helps you work in more advanced roles or take on leadership positions within a company.
How Much Does a Nutritionist Make?
Nutritionist salary is variable based on the position of a professional, their work experience, and their location. How much does a nutritionist make on average? When it comes to nutrition careers salary, the average professional makes around $60,000 per year. A nutrition science salary may increase as you gain experience or work in more specialized roles.
While the average salary is around $60,000, a nutritionist with experience may also earn as much as $73,000 per year. A bachelor’s in nutrition salary may help increase your salary in some locations or positions.
When you are looking into the nutrition science degree salary, you can expect some variation based on your location and education. You will want to compare different options based on the job and career, rather than the average for the entire industry. You may have options to make a higher salary in some private companies or positions, as well as in certain specialized fields.
How Much Does a Dietitian Make?
The dietitian salary is similar to the salary of a nutritionist. While your role as a clinical dietitian may differ slightly when compared to a traditional nutritionist, you will find that the clinical dietetics salary is comparable to other careers and salaries within the nutrition field. The dietetics degree salary may increase as you gain experience and improve your education level.
You should be aware that the specific salary potential for a dietitian may vary significantly based on your locality, experience, and education level. It may also differ based on the type of job you obtain after completing your degree and starting in your career. You will want to compare your options and focus on areas that fit your long-term career goals when you are looking into the salary potential of a job as well as the potential growth within a specific field or industry.
Related Rankings:
25 Best Nutrition Bachelor’s Degrees