Best Dietetics Programs
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dietitians and nutritionists can anticipate their field to grow by as much as 11% between 2020-2030 — this translates to nearly 8,000 additional jobs. But to enter this field, individuals must secure a bachelor's in dietetics and complete the necessary requirements to earn professional certification.
While the true cost of college is often expensive, some of the best schools are relatively affordable options for in-state learners. Students can also cut costs by enrolling in online courses, earning scholarships, and completing general education requirements at less expensive community colleges. This page highlights the best dietetics programs that can help you jumpstart your career.
Dietetics exists at the intersection of nutrition, science, and healthcare and is an allied health profession that is growing quickly. Students pursuing a bachelor's in dietetics utilize their skills to improve the health of their clients. In these programs, learners tackle science and nutrition-based coursework and typically graduate in about four years. In June 2022, dieticians earned about $56,050 per year, according to Payscale.
Keep reading to learn more about this growing field. Discover which schools can help you jumpstart a career helping people live healthier and happier lives.
The University of Georgia - Athens, GA
Why It's #1: The University of Georgia (UGA) stands out as the top school in our Best Dietetics Programs ranking. The dietetics program at UGA boasts a high graduation rate of 87%. The program is also competitive, only admitting 45% of applicants. For in-state students, UGA is a relatively affordable option, with annual tuition rates falling below $9,000. Additionally, UGA awards aid to 97% of degree-seekers.
Best Accredited Bachelor's in Dietetics Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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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University of Georgia
Athens, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $12,080
Out of State | $31,120
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Located in Athens, the University of Georgia is a public institution that offers a bachelor's in dietetics program. During this four-year program, students complete 54 credits of major requirements.
Core dietetics classes include macronutrients and energy balance, food principles, quantity food production, public health nutrition, and nutritional properties of food. Before graduation, students also complete a practicum experience under the guidance of an experienced professional.
Applicants to this program typically have a track record of performing well in STEM coursework and must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate.
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $6,880
Out of State | $10,300
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Established in 1949, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a public research institution with nearly 40,000 students. CSULB is situated to the south of Los Angeles and offers a bachelor's in dietetics program. Throughout this four-year program, students tackle major requirements such as medical nutrition therapy, applied sports nutrition, food science, and community nutrition.
Prospective students must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. In addition to completing an online application, prospective students must submit transcripts. CSULB is currently a standardized test-optional institution.
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $9,990
Out of State | $28,790
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Indiana's Purdue University is home to a bachelor's in dietetics program, in which students complete a mix of general education and core requirements. Additionally, learners gain extensive hands-on training through 1,200 hours of supervised practice.
Core classes for this bachelor's in dietetics include public health nutrition, nutritional assessment, medical nutrition therapy, and communication techniques in food and nutrition. Before graduation, degree-seekers also complete a practicum experience.
First-time applicants must submit an application with ACT/SAT scores and high school grades and pay all relevant fees. Prospective students also submit personal essays.
CUNY Queens College
Queens, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $310
Out of State | $620
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
The City University of New York's (CUNY) Queens College is home to a bachelor's in dietetics program that full-time students can complete in four years. Throughout this undergraduate program, students take an evidence-based approach when completing classes in areas including chemistry, food science, and nutrition.
Core classes for this dietetics bachelor's program include the science of foods, experimental food science, nutrition assessment, and medical nutrition therapy. Students complete 24 required major courses before graduation.
Applicants must first gain admission into CUNY Queens College before applying to this program. Those applying to this bachelor's in dietetics program also must hold a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Harding University
Searcy, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $22,500
Out of State | $22,500
Credits to Graduate
128
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Based in Searcy, Arkansas, and established in 1924, Harding University is a private Christian institution that offers a bachelor's in dietetics and nutrition. Students also interested in pursuing a master's degree can apply for an accelerated master's upon completion of 60 credits. The accelerated program allows students to complete a bachelor's and master's degree in five years.
Foundational classes for this bachelor's in dietetics include medical terminology, human nutrition, life cycle nutrition, and quantity food production.
Prospective students can apply online and must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. Applicants must submit official transcripts and standardized test scores.
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $3,080
Out of State | $9,280
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Located near Miami, Florida International University (FIU) is a public research institution with over 56,000 undergraduate and graduate students. FIU offers a bachelor's in dietetics and nutrition program with a science-based curriculum that acts as a foundation for nutrition coursework.
Alongside general education classes, degree-seekers complete 41 credits of required major coursework. Core classes include fundamentals of food, medical nutrition therapy, and life cycle nutrition.
Prospective students must complete an application and include official transcripts and SAT/ACT scores.
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Pomona, CA - 4 years
- Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $7,440
Out of State | $11,880
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Cal Poly Pomona offers a bachelor's degree in nutrition with a concentration in dietetics. This ACEND-accredited program prepares students with the academic and hands-on training necessary to secure certification as a registered dietitian.
Core classes include community nutrition, introduction to foods, experimental food science, and nutrition counseling.
Prospective students should hold a high school diploma and submit official transcripts. In-state applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Cal Poly Pomona does not consider SAT/ACT scores in admission decisions and recognizes applicants who are first-generation college students and those with work or leadership experience. The school prioritizes students from the local area.
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $24,900
Out of State | $24,900
Credits to Graduate
122
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Established in 1818, Saint Louis University (SLU) offers a bachelor's program in dietetics and nutrition that prepares students for their nutrition careers and graduate-level coursework. In addition to the standard academic track, students can pursue pre-medicine, pre-physician, and culinary academic paths.
Regardless of academic track, students complete required courses, including foundations of nutrition, nutrition in the lifecycle, and contemporary issues in food and nutrition.
Prospective students must hold a minimum GPA of 2.7 and submit a high school diploma showing various academic prerequisites. SLU is currently a test-optional institution.
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $15,670
Out of State | $38,340
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
The University of Connecticut is home to a bachelor's in dietetics program that acts as a pathway for students to secure their registered dietitian certification. Students can complete an accelerated 4+1 program that allows them to earn their bachelor's and master's in five years.
Alongside general education credits, students complete major requirements such as medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, and writing for community nutrition research. Students also complete a hands-on practicum before graduation.
Applicants to this bachelor's in dietetics program must document a number of prerequisites from a high school college preparatory curriculum.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $14,910
Out of State | $40,730
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Based in East Lansing, Michigan State University is a large public research institution that offers a bachelor's in dietetics. This ACEND-accredited program prepares students with the tools they need to become dietitians.
In addition to general education requirements, students receive a solid science-based foundation. Degree-seekers complete core dietetics classes, including introduction to human nutrition, applied community nutrition, business of nutrition services, and global foods and culture.
First-year applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED certificate and submit official high school transcripts. Prospective students also submit an essay answering one of seven prompts. MSU does not require the submission of recommendation letters.
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How We Rank Schools
Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Bachelor's in Dietetics ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 114 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.
- Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
- Must offer a bachelor's degree program in the given subject.
- Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.
To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).
The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.
BestColleges' Ranking Factors
Frequently Asked Questions About Dietetics Programs
Is a bachelor's in dietetics worth it?
Students interested in pursuing a career in nutrition and dietetics will likely find that the academic and professional training they receive is worth it. Not only does a bachelor's in dietetics prepare students with essential academic knowledge, but it also requires significant hands-on training that can lead to professional certification.
Throughout these four-year programs, students gain foundational scientific knowledge while delving deep into nutrition and dietetics. These programs often prepare students for further academic pursuits, but graduates can enter the workforce tackling careers in diverse fields.
What can I do with a bachelor's in dietetics?
Standout bachelor's in dietetics programs prepare students with the skills and experiences they need to pursue professional certification. Professionals tackle roles in various fields and work in many settings, including healthcare facilities, academia, and corporations. Additionally, nutritionists can work in sports nutrition, clinical nutrition management, and community and public health.
In addition to securing professional certification and entering the workforce, many students use their bachelor's in dietetics to pursue various graduate-level degrees.
What continuing education is available for dietetics graduates?
A significant list of continuing education options waits for individuals graduating with a bachelor's in dietetics and nutrition. Whether they pursue careers in public health, medicine, or nutrition, the best dietetics programs provide students with the theoretical and practical skills they need to gain admission into various graduate programs.
Because dietetics and nutrition can relate to so many academic and professional fields, graduates have countless options. An MBA is a viable academic option for those who want to enter the business world. Additionally, a wide variety of health-related fields offer graduate-level educational opportunities.
How much money can I make with a bachelor's in dietetics?
The earning potential for those graduating with a bachelor's in dietetics can vary dramatically based on experience, responsibilities, and geographic location. That said, according to the BLS, the median annual income for dietitians and nutritionists was nearly $62,000 in May 2021. Additionally, the BLS projects a faster-than-average job growth rate of 11% between 2020-2030.
In addition to median earnings, the BLS notes that the top 10% of dietitians make more than $92,640.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's in dietetics?
While the BLS notes that the lowest 10% of dietitians earn less than $42,530 per year, the top 10% make more than double that — more than $93,640 per year. Top earners work in locations like outpatient care centers, and those who make the post typically take on leadership or supervisory roles.
In addition to the assumed pay raise that comes with experience, dietitians and nutritionists can enhance their earning potential through advanced degrees and various professional certifications.
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