Best Online Nutrition Degrees of 2024
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Editor & Writer
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Americans have a weird relationship with food. According to Pew Research Center, nearly 60% of U.S. adults think they should eat healthier — but that doesn't mean they know how to do it.
Thats's where nutritionists come in. Nutritionists can help guide people to a lifestyle that uses food as a foundation for disease prevention, personal wellness, and better mental health.
If you are looking for a career where you can guide others to happier and healthier lives, consider getting an online bachelor's degree in nutrition. Here's how to get started:
- Explore this page to discover why this degree path is right for you.
- Check out our ranking of the best online nutrition degrees.
- Request more information from the schools you're interested in.
Top Online Nutrition Degrees
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Online Nutrition Degrees
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $385
Out-of-State | $385
Credits to Graduate: 120
Prepare for a nutrition science career with confidence. University of Alabama's BS in food and nutrition is one of just 11 ACEND-accredited bachelor's degrees available online in the United States. The program uses a 100% online delivery model purpose-built for working adults.
Major coursework delivers a deep dive into every aspect of food, nutrition, and their public health impacts. You'll supplement with helpful courses in chemistry, microbiology, and anatomy and physiology.
If you're hoping to become a licensed dietitian, this program fulfills both your bachelor's degree and ACEND-accredited didactic program requirements.
Parker University
Dallas, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $710
Out-of-State | $710
Credits to Graduate: 120
With a 100% remote delivery model, Parker's online BS in nutrition science helps you balance your education goals and external commitments. You can study anytime with the added assurance of having tutoring services available 24/7.
Of the program's 120 required credits, 74 are from the major. This means the majority of your education will cover topics related to your major — food science, nutrition research, and related medical and public health components.
Parker emphasizes the flexibility graduates enjoy. After completing your degree, you can pursue graduate studies, professional degrees, and public health or research careers. Parker offers post-graduation career support to all alumni.
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $469
Out-of-State | $469
Credits to Graduate: 120
K-State's online nutrition and health bachelor's degree delivers a robust, science-oriented curriculum through the school's acclaimed online learning platform.
You'll have the chance to supplement core coursework in anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physiology with a personalized lineup of electives. Nutrition courses cover food science, nutrition planning and education, and nutrition across the human lifespan.
In addition to excellent flexibility, the program delivers strong value through low tuition rates and an impressive student outcome record. According to K-State, 97% of online program graduates go on to secure employment.
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $525
Credits to Graduate: 120
UofA's online BS in nutritional sciences holds the rare distinction of ACEND accreditation. This important feature gives you an advantage if you plan to pursue dietitian licensure.
At UofA, you can choose from an emphasis in nutrition or dietetics. The nutrition track has a sharper focus on food biochemistry and its medical applications. The dietetics track might appeal to you if you're more interested in technical and applied aspects of nutrition science.
Both options take full advantage of UofA's acclaimed online learning experience. Flexible scheduling and short 7.5-week terms make it easy to balance school, work, and life.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Why Should I Get an Online Nutrition Degree?
A bachelor's degree in nutrition is your first step toward working as a nutritionist or dietitian. It sets you up to pursue many entry-level careers and prepares you for an advanced degree.
Benefits of a Bachelor's in Nutrition
- Learn the science of nutrition as a tool for wellness and disease prevention.
- Enter a growing healthcare field impacting people's quality of life.
- Specialize in your interest area.
- Develop the skills necessary to guide and train clients effectively.
- Embrace your healthiest life.
Reasons to Get Your Bachelor's in Nutrition Online
- Set Your Own Schedule: Online courses give you the flexibility to fit school into your life on your own terms.
- Balance Your Priorities: Hold down a job, a family, a business, and hobbies, and pursue a degree at the same time.
- Save Your Money: Forget spending money on room and board, commuting, and on-campus fees. Pick from the most affordable online programs that can help you reach your career goals without sacrificing your financial future.
How Much Money Can I Make With an Online Bachelor's in Nutrition?
Dietitians and nutritionists earn a median annual salary of $69,680, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries range from $67,080-$73,670 depending on the work setting.
Nutrition isn't a get-rich-quick degree — especially since many positions in the field will also soon require you to have a graduate degree. That's why it's so important to consider your return on investment before making the leap.
Consider the cost of your degree against your projected early career earnings. Will you be able to keep up with your student loan payments, pay rent, buy groceries, and meet your financial goals?
The best way to make sure you get a good return on your college investment is to pay as little for your degree as possible.
Median annual wage for dietitians and nutritionists
$69,680
Source: BLS
Annual wage for the highest 10% of dietitians and nutritionists
$98,830
Source: BLS
Popular Nutrition Career Paths
With a nutrition science degree, you can work in hospitals, schools, health clinics, and government agencies. You can also find jobs in public health, community service, food companies, and private practice.
In addition to pursuing a career as a nutritionist or registered dietitian, you may also pursue the following roles:
| Career | Average Annual Salary (February 2024) |
|---|---|
| Health Coach | $55,070 |
| Health Educator | $51,240 |
| Nutrition Services Manager | $65,630 |
| Corporate Wellness Consultant | $59,970 |
| Food Technologist | $62,570 |
| Food Safety Specialist | $64,810 |
| Food Safety Auditor | $63,930 |
Important Information
Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum degree requirement to become a registered dietitian (RD) will change from a bachelor's degree to a graduate degree, according to the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
As an RD, you can continue to advance your career by pursuing board specialization in niche areas of expertise, including:
- Gerontological nutrition
- Pediatric critical care nutrition
- Oncology nutrition
- Renal nutrition
- Obesity and weight management
- Sports dietetics
- Pediatric nutrition
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's in Nutrition Cost?
The total average cost for a four-year degree is nearly $71,000 for tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). But that doesn't mean you need to pay that much.
Start by choosing in-state, online programs with affordable tuition and prioritizing schools offering scholarships and grant-based aid packages that you won't need to repay.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree (2022-23)
Public Institution
$9,750
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$38,421
Total Average Tuition Cost of Four Years of College (2022-23)
Public Institution
$39,000
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$153,684
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Nutrition?
When you submit your application to an online bachelor's in nutrition program, you'll likely also need to have:
Beyond the Bachelor's Degree: Becoming a Registered Dietitian
Once you have a bachelor's degree — and possibly some years of experience as a nutritionist — you may want to level up your career by pursuing an advanced degree.
According to the BLS, an advanced degree can boost your earning potential by as much as 16%. In the nutrition field, more education often means access to leadership positions with more responsibility and impact.
As of 2024, a nutrition master's degree will be the minimum education requirement for becoming a registered dietitian. Don't worry — when you're ready, we can help you find the best and most affordable master's programs in nutrition to suit your schedule, career goals, and wallet.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Everything Else You Need to Know About the Best Online Nutrition Degrees
What courses will I take in an online bachelor's in nutrition program?
The core curriculum for an undergraduate degree in nutrition may include some version of the following classes:
- Human Nutrition: Learn about the human body's nutrient requirements.
- Lifespan Nutrition: Explore the changing human dietary needs over the lifespan and signs of nutritional deficiencies.
- Community Nutrition: Learn about community nutritional screening and assessment, public policy, nutrition education, and food assistance planning and programs.
- Clinical Nutrition: Prepare to work in clinical settings where you will design food programs as part of a treatment protocol.
- Cultural Aspects of Food: Develop an understanding of the cultural influences on diet and different ethnic groups.
Are nutritionists in high demand?
Nutritionists are in moderate demand. The BLS projects 7% employment growth for nutritionists and dietitians between 2022 and 2032. This figure is faster than the 3% average projected growth rate of occupations.
As researchers continue to find that nutrition can impact treatment for various physical and mental health conditions, demand for nutrition experts may increase.
Is it worth it to become a certified nutritionist?
Getting a degree to become a certified nutritionist can be worth it if you want a career that helps others lead healthier lives through their diet choices.
But at the same time, you should be thoughtful about this degree's cost. Consider the increasing education requirements for many positions in this field and the salaries for certified nutritionists.
How long does an online nutrition program take?
An online bachelor's degree in nutrition can take four years to finish. If you have transfer credits or enroll in an accelerated program, you may be able to complete your degree sooner.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed on November 27, 2023.
