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Compare Master’s in Nutrition Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Master’s in Nutrition Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Millions of individuals — from children to seniors — depend on precise nutritional care to manage medical conditions and improve their overall health. Professionals trained in nutrition are pivotal in their recovery and well-being, and a master’s in nutrition is the key to achieving these goals. These programs not only prepare you for careers as dietitians and nutritionists, where the median salary is $69,680, but can also help you secure higher earnings, with the top 10% of nutritionists earning over $98,830.

Completing this degree usually takes 18 months to two years, with an average tuition cost of $19,749. This investment in your education provides you with advanced knowledge and skills, positioning you to make a profound difference in the health sector of our economy.

Why Trust Us

The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.

  • Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
  • 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
  • Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
  • Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources

How we rank schools

Our list features the best Nutrition degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:

Academic Quality:

  • Admission rate versus enrollment rate
  • Retention rate of students who return after year one
  • Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
  • Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions

Graduation Rate

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
  • Student-to-faculty ratio

Cost and ROI

  • In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
  • Required credits to graduate
  • Earning potential after graduation
  • Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options

Student Resources

  • Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
  • On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries

Read more about our ranking methodology.

Best 47 Accredited Master’s in Nutrition Programs

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#1
Medford, MA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Tufts University

Intelligent Score: 99.40
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $59,560

Out-of-state: $59,560

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $54,196

Out-of-state: $54,196

Test scores

SAT: 1380-1530

ACT: 32-35

Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
16%
On-campus students
7%
Graduation Rate
94%
Students enrolled
12,000
Student to faculty ratio
10:01
Average Salary
$57k
Average Student Debt
$17k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,180

DELIVERY FORMAT

Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

New England Commission of Higher Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 617-636-3777

#2
Champaign, IL | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Intelligent Score: 98.02
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $14,317

Out-of-state: $33,824

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $15,016

Out-of-state: $15,016

Test scores

SAT: 1200-1460

ACT: 27-33

Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
63%
On-campus students
4%
Graduation Rate
86%
Students enrolled
53,000
Student to faculty ratio
20:01
Average Salary
$52k
Average Student Debt
$19k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$1,148

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

32

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 217-244-4498

#3
Regional | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Texas Woman's University

Intelligent Score: 97.72
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $94

Out-of-state: $77

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $48

Out-of-state: $48

Test scores

SAT: Considered (not required)

ACT: Required

Retention Rate
N/A
Admission Rate
N/A
On-campus students
100%
Graduation Rate
0%
Students enrolled
0
Student to faculty ratio
$5,537
Average Salary
$15,353
Average Student Debt

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $288

Non-Resident: $708

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 940-898-2636

#4
Cleveland, OH | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Case Western Reserve University

Intelligent Score: 97.59
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $52,448

Out-of-state: $52,448

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $47,920

Out-of-state: $47,920

Test scores

SAT: 1340-1520

ACT: 31-34

Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
30%
On-campus students
91%
Graduation Rate
85%
Students enrolled
11,000
Student to faculty ratio
11:01
Average Salary
$70k
Average Student Debt
$24k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$2,248

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 216-368-5961

#5
Lincoln, NE | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Intelligent Score: 97.15
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,770

Out-of-state: $24,900

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,138

Out-of-state: $6,138

Test scores

SAT: 1110-1320

ACT: 22-28

Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
78%
On-campus students
33%
Graduation Rate
66%
Students enrolled
25,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$40k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $353

Non-Resident: $1,031

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30-36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 402-472-2875

#6
Chapel Hill, NC | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Intelligent Score: 97.02
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $7,019

Out-of-state: $34,198

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,552

Out-of-state: $10,552

Test scores

SAT: 1280-1490

ACT: 28-33

Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
25%
On-campus students
9%
Graduation Rate
91%
Students enrolled
30,000
Student to faculty ratio
13:01
Average Salary
$50k
Average Student Debt
$15k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $238

Non-Resident: $963

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 919-445-1170

#8
Lubbock, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Texas Tech University

Intelligent Score: 94.21
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $8,683

Out-of-state: $20,953

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,788

Out-of-state: $6,788

Test scores

SAT: 1070-1240

ACT: 22-27

Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
70%
On-campus students
46%
Graduation Rate
63%
Students enrolled
40,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$47k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $351

Non-Resident: $771

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

31

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 806-742-5270

#10
College Station, TX | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Texas A&M University

Intelligent Score: 92.96
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $8,395

Out-of-state: $36,849

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $6,775

Out-of-state: $6,775

Test scores

SAT: 1160-1380

ACT: 26-32

Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
63%
On-campus students
67%
Graduation Rate
83%
Students enrolled
70,000
Student to faculty ratio
19:01
Average Salary
$54k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $818

Non-Resident: $1,349

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

32-36

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 979-845-2142

#11
Ann Arbor, MI | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Michigan

Intelligent Score: 91.80
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $16,520

Out-of-state: $53,669

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $24,344

Out-of-state: $24,344

Test scores

SAT: 1340-1520

ACT: 31-34

Retention Rate
96%
Admission Rate
26%
On-campus students
9%
Graduation Rate
93%
Students enrolled
48,000
Student to faculty ratio
11:01
Average Salary
$56k
Average Student Debt
$18k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $2,228

Non-Resident: $3,447

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

32-34

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 734-764-8129

#12
Seattle, WA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Washington

Intelligent Score: 91.45
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $10,629

Out-of-state: $37,998

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $16,278

Out-of-state: $16,278

Test scores

SAT: 1200-1453

ACT: 27-33

Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
56%
On-campus students
89%
Graduation Rate
82%
Students enrolled
48,000
Student to faculty ratio
20:01
Average Salary
$50k
Average Student Debt
$15k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $927

Non-Resident: $1,605

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

44

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 206-543-1730

#13
Mississippi State, MS | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Mississippi State University

Intelligent Score: 90.73
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $8,800

Out-of-state: $23,840

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $8,800

Out-of-state: $8,800

Test scores

SAT: 1050-1270

ACT: 22-30

Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
80%
On-campus students
12%
Graduation Rate
64%
Students enrolled
23,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$37k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $537

Non-Resident: $1,469

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 662-325-3200

#14
New Brunswick, NJ | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Rutgers University

Intelligent Score: 89.37
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $12,230

Out-of-state: $29,012

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $17,736

Out-of-state: $17,736

Test scores

SAT: 1180-1410

ACT: 25-32

Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
67%
On-campus students
67%
Graduation Rate
84%
Students enrolled
50,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$48k
Average Student Debt
$22k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $1,025

Non-Resident: $2,428

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 848-932-0975

#15
Provo, UT | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Brigham Young University-Provo

Intelligent Score: 89.06
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $5,970

Out-of-state: $5,970

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $7,510

Out-of-state: $7,510

Test scores

SAT: 1200-1410

ACT: 26-32

Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
69%
On-campus students
8%
Graduation Rate
75%
Students enrolled
36,000
Student to faculty ratio
21:01
Average Salary
$47k
Average Student Debt
$12k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$480 - $960

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30-32

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 801-422-6672

#16
Madison, WI | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Intelligent Score: 87.42
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $9,273

Out-of-state: $37,161

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $10,728

Out-of-state: $10,728

Test scores

SAT: 1260-1460

ACT: 27-32

Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
57%
On-campus students
7%
Graduation Rate
88%
Students enrolled
45,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$50k
Average Student Debt
$21k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $782

Non-Resident: $1,615

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 608-262-2433

#17
Lexington, KY | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

University of Kentucky

Intelligent Score: 86.69
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $11,135

Out-of-state: $29,945

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $12,189

Out-of-state: $12,189

Test scores

SAT: 1070-1280

ACT: 22-29

Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
96%
On-campus students
16%
Graduation Rate
66%
Students enrolled
30,000
Student to faculty ratio
16:01
Average Salary
$44k
Average Student Debt
$23k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $1,592

Non-Resident: $3,940

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus, Online

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

33

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 859-257-3800

#18
West Lafayette, IN | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

Purdue University

Intelligent Score: 86.62
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $9,208

Out-of-state: $28,010

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $9,208

Out-of-state: $9,208

Test scores

SAT: 1170-1420

ACT: 25-33

Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
67%
On-campus students
18%
Graduation Rate
83%
Students enrolled
47,000
Student to faculty ratio
13:01
Average Salary
$49k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

Resident: $384

Non-Resident: $948

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Higher Learning Commission

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

30

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 765-496-1362

#19
Immaculata, PA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Private

Immaculata University

Intelligent Score: 86.42
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $26,900

Out-of-state: $26,900

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $12,780

Out-of-state: $12,780

Test scores

SAT: 990-1170

ACT: 17-23

Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
82%
On-campus students
18%
Graduation Rate
70%
Students enrolled
3,000
Student to faculty ratio
10:01
Average Salary
$51k
Average Student Debt
$27k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

$710

DELIVERY FORMAT

Hybrid

ACCREDITATION

Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

39

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 484-323-3005

#20
Fairfax, VA | 4 years | Online + Campus | Public

George Mason University

Intelligent Score: 85.71
Undergraduate Tuition

In-state: $9,510

Out-of-state: $32,970

Graduate Tuition

In-state: $12,594

Out-of-state: $12,594

Test scores

SAT: 1100-1300

ACT: 24-30

Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
89%
On-campus students
4%
Graduation Rate
72%
Students enrolled
39,000
Student to faculty ratio
17:01
Average Salary
$47k
Average Student Debt
$20k

ESTIMATED COST PER CREDIT

In-State: $629

Out-of-State: $1,543

DELIVERY FORMAT

On-Campus

ACCREDITATION

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE

39-45

MORE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 703-993-9700

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How to Choose a Master’s in Nutrition Program

Choose your area of study

While nutrition is already a relatively niche degree, you can further align your education with your career goals by choosing an area of study. Deciding this first, before you begin your research in full, will help you select a program that offers specialized courses and opportunities to succeed in your chosen field.

For instance, students wishing to focus on children’s dietary needs will thrive in pediatric nutrition. In contrast, those wanting to gear their studies towards optimizing athletic performance through dietary strategies may prefer sports nutrition. Students seeking policy-making and community health program roles will excel in public health nutrition. At the same time, those aiming to become registered dietitians may opt for the relatively straightforward specialization of dietetics.

Research schools and programs

With your chosen specialization in mind, you can begin researching schools and programs that align with your educational needs. Consider using the following questions to guide your research:

  • What specializations are offered?
  • What is the faculty’s experience in my area of interest?
  • Does a recognized accrediting body accredit the program?
  • What are the program’s prerequisites and requirements?
  • How do current students and alumni rate their experiences?

Most programs make this information readily available on their website, but many students also benefit from speaking with an admissions counselor or attending an open house or information session.

Prepare for tests and applications

Starting early is critical when preparing for tests and applications — especially regarding your personal statement and studying for the GRE. Enrolling in a test prep program can significantly improve your scores, positioning you as a strong candidate. Additionally, you can ensure a smooth application process by requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation well in advance — avoiding any last-minute stress. As application components come in, organize them systematically so you can meet deadlines comfortably.

Select your program

Once acceptance letters arrive, revisit your initial research criteria, focusing on what’s most important — whether that be curriculum relevance, faculty you’re excited to learn from, or program reputation. Equally crucial is comparing the total cost of attendance with available financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and assistantships. This comparison will help you make a financially informed decision, ensuring that the program you ultimately attend aligns with your academic goals and economic means.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Financing your degree without accruing substantial debt may feel impossible, but many financial aid resources are available to help.

Prioritize options like scholarships and grants, as these are essentially free money that doesn’t have to be repaid. Assistantships are also a good option, as they provide tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities. If you’re currently employed, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement programs — mainly if this degree is relevant to your current job.

However, remaining costs may exist even with all of these elements at play. Federal loans are worth considering, but be cautious and borrow only what is necessary to prevent a debt burden later on.

What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Nutrition Program?

By earning your master’s in nutrition, you’ll gain an in-depth education on food science and its effects on health, preparing for roles in public health, education, and wellness advocacy. Unlike dietetics programs, which are explicitly tailored toward preparing students to become registered dietitians with a focus on clinical practices and patient counseling, a nutrition degree often emphasizes broader topics like biochemistry, food technology, and nutritional epidemiology. As a student, you’ll learn how to assess dietary needs, develop nutritional programs, and understand the impacts of nutrition at both individual and community levels. Most programs offer elective courses for specialization in sports nutrition, pediatric nutrition, or public health.

These programs typically take 18 months to two years to complete with full-time study. Some institutions may require a thesis, which can extend the timeline, though non-thesis tracks are often available for those preferring a more practical approach.

Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in nutrition program

  • Advanced Nutritional Biochemistry: This course delves into the molecular foundations of human nutrition, examining how nutrients are metabolized and their physiological impacts. Students learn about the biochemical pathways relevant to macro and micronutrients and their roles in maintaining health and preventing disease.
  • Nutritional Epidemiology: In this class, students explore the methods used to study dietary factors and their relationship with health outcomes at the population level. They learn to design, conduct, and analyze nutritional research studies using statistical tools to interpret epidemiological data.
  • Pediatric and Maternal Nutrition: Considered an elective in most curriculums, this course examines the nutritional needs during pregnancy and childhood. Lessons cover topics like breastfeeding, weaning, and the dietary interventions required to support children’s optimal development and long-term health.
  • Nutrition and Chronic Disease Management: This course addresses the role of nutrition in preventing and managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Students learn about dietary guidelines, meal planning, and therapeutic diets that can mitigate the security of chronic conditions and improve patient outcomes.

Master’s in Nutrition Degree Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to a master's in nutrition degree program?

To apply for these programs, you must meet common criteria, although specific requirements can vary by institution. These may include:

  • A bachelor’s degree, with many programs preferring a related field such as biology, chemistry, or dietetics
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
  • Two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
  • A detailed statement of purpose outlining your career objectives

It’s crucial to consult with an admissions counselor to ensure you meet all specific requirements before submitting your application. They can also help you tailor your application to your chosen program, potentially presenting yourself as a stronger candidate.

How much does a master's in nutrition degree cost?

The cost of these degrees varies widely, with the average graduate tuition reported at $19,749 for the 2020-2021 academic year. Beyond tuition, you’ll also want to budget for housing, commuting expenses, textbooks, and course materials — which can add up over time and significantly impact the overall cost of attendance. By calculating these expenses ahead of time, you’ll get a more comprehensive picture of the total financial commitment required for each school you’re interested in.

How long does it take to earn a master's in nutrition degree?

Achieving this degree takes 18 months to two years for full-time students, depending on the program’s credit requirements, which can vary significantly. Part-time students may take longer, often around three to four years, as they balance coursework with other commitments — like a full-time job or raising a family.

To calculate your timeline to graduation, carefully review the total number of credits required by each program. This figure will directly influence your completion timeline. Generally speaking, programs that require more credits will take longer to complete.