Affordable online nutrition degree programs offer a flexible way to earn a degree and start a career in Nutrition and Dietetics.
For working adults who want to advance their nutrition career, an online bachelor’s in nutrition can be a smart investment. However, students paying for their education out of pocket need a plan for how much they can spend on their education. Fortunately, there are many ways to save and find an affordable online nutrition program.
A simple way to help cut the costs of your bachelor’s degree in nutrition is to start your program at a community college. A community school 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.
Featured Programs
Our Method: Ranking the Most Affordable Nutrition Degree Programs Online
For budget-conscious students, Best Health Degrees has ranked as the most affordable nutrition degree program. 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.
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 nutrition and dietetics programs in the area. CSU LA is one of the pioneers of online education at its School of Nutritional Science. The Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional science focuses on food service, nutrition, and dietetics. This degree in nutrition also provides the perfect gateway to graduate programs. CSU LA is constantly creating 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.
Degree: BS in Nutritional Science
Credits: 120
Program Link: Interested? Check out the program site for this online bachelors in nutrition!
2. 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 ultimate goals with a realistic course load that works with their lifestyle. They offer affordable tuition and financial aid, making it one of the est online nutrition programs in the US.
Degree: BS in Nutrition
Credits: 120 including a Capstone Project
Program Link: Interested? Check out the program site for this nutrition bachelor degree online!
3. 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. Undergraduate enrollment is around 11,000 students. Additionally, 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.
Degree: BS in Nutrition Education – Sports or Integrative concentrations
Credit Hours: 120
Program Link: Interested? Check out the program site for this bachelors of nutrition online!
4. 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. 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
Credit Hours: 120
Program Link: Interested? Check out the program site for this nutrition program!
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 nutrition programs because most students have to take their Master’s to be certified nutritionists.
Youngstown State is a research university that emphasizes scholarship and service. The school opened in 1908 as college course offerings through the YMCA. Today it offers 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
Credit Hours: 120
Program Link: Interested? Check out the program site for this nutrition program!
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. 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. You can aim high with Purdue.
Degree: BS in Nutrition
Credit Hours: 120
Program Link: Interested? Check out the nutrition and dietetics program!
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 has one of the best online nutrition degrees available.
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 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.
Degree: BA or BS in Nutrition & Food Science, or BS in Dietetics
Credit Hours: 120
Program Link: Interested? Check out the program site for this nutritionist degree!
8. Buffalo State University (SUNY)
Buffalo State 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 rank SUNY as #23 for Best Online Bachelors. They make going to college convenient to 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 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: online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Dietetics – Didactic Program, Dietician Education, or 4+1
Credit Hours: 120
Program Link: Interested? Check out the program site for this nutritionist degree!
9. 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 allso long-term care facilities.
UTSA is a public university with over 21,000 undergrad students. However, only 225 students are in the Nutrition and Kinesiology Depart online. It has an acceptance rate of 79%, and 37% of students go on to graduate school and earn a master’s degree in Nutrition.
Degree: online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutrition and Dietetics
Credit Hours: 120
Program Link: Interested? Check out the program site for this bachelor of nutrition online!
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 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 45% acceptance rate. Additionally, this school is one of the most diverse and liberal campuses on the East Coast.
Degree: BS in Food and Nutrition Sciences
Credit Hours: 120
Program Link: Interested? Check out the program site for this bachelors in nutrition online!
What Do You Learn in a Nutrition Program?
Most bachelor’s degree programs consist of 120 credits. Online students take core classes and then classes for their selected major. Below is a list of some of the classes students may take in a bachelor’s in Nutrition program or Dietetics degree.
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Public Health and Community Nutrition
- Clinical Nutrition
- Nutrition Management
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Food Service and Healthy Cuisines
- Public Health Nutrition
- Human Nutrition
- Healthy Eating Habits
- Applied Nutrition for Vulnerable Populations
What are Some Careers in Nutrition?
When you are looking into professional careers in nutrition, you may have concerns about the number of opportunities. While career opportunities in nutrition and wellness may seem limited at first glance, you actually have a wide array of options for your long-term goals. And, there are many job options for individuals with an online bachelor’s in nutrition.
nutritionist
The obvious career in nutrition and dietetics is working as a nutritionist. A nutritionist may work with medical facilities or doctors in clinical nutrition roles. These professionals 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 in medical nutrition therapy.
food science
Although careers in nutrition and health may focus primarily on the medical industry, you may also find nutritional sciences 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.
sports nutrition
You can also work in this area of nutritional sciences and help athletes find the best diet for their goals. These nutritionists focus on a specific subset of individuals who may have a complex situations.
nutrition coaching
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 or in community nutrition. There are entry-level roles for individuals with a bachelor’s degree. Nutritionists with a master’s degree qualify for positions with more responsibility and a higher salary.
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.
Below is more information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on selected jobs.
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | BLS data |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $61,650 |
| Entry-Level Education | Bachelor’s |
| Number of US Jobs | 74,700 |
| 2021 to 2031Job Growth | 7% |
| Food Scientists | BLS data |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $74,160 |
| Entry-Level Education | Bachelor’s |
| Number of US Jobs | 37,300 |
| 2021 to 2031Job Growth | 8% |
| Health Education Specialists | BLS data |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $48,860 |
| Entry-Level Education | Bachelor’s |
| Number of US Jobs | 126,700 |
| 2021 to 2031Job Growth | 12% |
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’s 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 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.
Professional Organizations for Nutrition and Dietetics
- American Council on Science and Health (website)
- The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (website)
- American Nutrition Association (website)
- National Association for Nutrition Professionals (website)
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