Best Online Nutrition Programs
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- An online bachelor's degree in nutrition is a more affordable entry point into an increasingly important healthcare subfield.
- Nutrition grads who go on to become nutritionists and dieticians work on the front lines of disease prevention.
- Nutrition careers offer above-average salaries and are projected to grow steadily over the next decade.
Americans have a weird relationship with food. According to Pew Research Center, nearly 60% of U.S. adults think they should be eating healthier — but that doesn't mean they know how to do it.
Conflicting scientific studies, the rise of genetically modified food, and a $71 billion diet industry that trots out a new fad diet every quarter has made navigating personal nutrition an overwhelming task.
But 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, you should consider getting an online 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 programs.
- Request more information from the schools you're interested in.
Explore Related Featured Online Programs
Why Should I Get an Online Bachelor's in Nutrition?
A bachelor's degree in nutrition is your first step toward working as a nutritionist or dietician. It sets you up for 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?
Median annual wage for dieticians and nutritionists
$61,650
Source: BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dietitians and Nutritionists
Annual wage for the highest 10% of dieticians and nutritionists
$93,640
Source: BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dietitians and Nutritionists
The median annual wage for nutritionists only exceeded the median annual wage for all U.S. workers by about $5,250 at the end of 2022, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 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.
What Are the Best Online Bachelor's in Nutrition Programs?
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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Weber State University
Ogden, UT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $278
Out of State | $278
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
WSU's online bachelor's degree in nutrition focuses on food values, diet design, health, and fitness. In the program, you'll also study cultural sensitivity and current issues. The nutrition program at WSU offers options to concentrate on integrative or sports nutrition. Once you graduate, you'll be prepared for careers in research, health, and athletic settings.
A bachelor of integrated studies allows you to increase your opportunities in health and nutrition related fields. To apply, you must submit high school transcripts. But ACT and SAT scores are optional submissions for English and math placement.
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $371
Out of State | $371
Credits to Graduate
180
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Purdue University Global's bachelor of science in nutrition degree is an online program that offers a variety of study topics, research methods, and applications in nutrition. Purdue's nutrition program also offers a holistic nutrition concentration, approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.
You can gain real-world experience through an optional internship. Plus, you can choose to quicken your path to a master's degree with an accelerated bachelor's option. The degree culminates with a required original capstone project. In addition to a high school degree, the school may require an entrance exam for admission.
Parker University
Dallas, TX - 4 years
- Online
Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $690
Out of State | $690
Credits to Graduate
124
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Parker University's nutritionist degree program prepares you for careers in public health education, food management, and nutritional research. The program at Parker University also offers you the chance to learn from experts in alternative health. You'll learn about food and herbs and how they affect human health.
You need proof of a high school or GED diploma, or a transcript with at least 60 hours of undergraduate study.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $385
Out of State | $385
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of Alabama's online bachelor's degree in nutrition and food prepares you for a career as a registered dietician. UA's nutrition program is one of six accredited online nutrition programs that is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
To apply, you'll need to submit transcripts from all colleges you've attended previously. You'll also need to submit a high school transcript if you have less than 24 hours of college coursework.
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $525
Out of State | $525
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
At the University of Arizona, you can focus on nutrition or dietetics. This school's nutrition degree prepares you for a career in the food and health industries or graduate studies and research. The dietetics emphasis is the first step toward becoming a registered dietician, nutritionist, technician, or nutrition professional.
For admission, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended, including military institutions.
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online | Self-Paced
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $450
Out of State | $450
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Kansas State University's bachelor's in nutrition prepares you for a career in nutrition by focusing on the science of food. You can customize K-State's nutrition program based on your career goals, with courses offered in personal wellness, nutrition for athletes, and clinical nutrition.
First-time applicants need a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher, or an ACT composite score of 21, or an SAT ERW+M score of 1060 or higher. You also need a 2.0 GPA on any college credit taken in high school.
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 qualify for the following roles:
| Career | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Coach | $52,340 |
| Health Educator | $48,450 |
| Nutrition Manager | $53,210 |
| Corporate Wellness Consultant | $54,440 |
| Food Technologist | $60,720 |
| Food Safety Specialist | $61,000 |
| Food Safety Auditor | $61,320 |
Important Information
Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum degree requirement to become a registered dietician (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 net cost for a four-year degree at a public school is nearly $57,000. But that doesn't mean you need to pay that much.
Start by choosing in-state, online programs with affordable tuition and prioritizing schools that offer scholarships and grant-based aid packages that you won't need to repay.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree
Public Institution
$9,375
Private Institution
$32,825
Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College
Public Institution
$56,000
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$112,000
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.
Required Course Credits
120*
*Depending on your program and specialization
Field Study Requirements
Yes
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:
- An application
- Test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- An essay or personal statement
- Official transcripts
Beyond the Bachelor's Degree: Becoming a Registered Dietician
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 20%. In the nutrition field, more education often means access to leadership positions with more responsibility and more impact.
And as of 2024, a nutrition master's degree will be the minimum education requirement for becoming a registered dietician. 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 an Online Bachelor's in Nutrition
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, as well as signs of nutritional deficiencies and developing patterns.
- 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 dieticians between 2021 and 2031. That tracks with the average projected growth rate of 5% for all 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?
If you want a career that lays a foundation for your lifelong health and gives you the tools to help others do the same, then getting a degree to become a certified nutritionist can be worth it.
But at the same time, you should be thoughtful about this degree's cost. You should also consider the increasing education requirements for many positions in the field and the modest median salary for certified nutritionists.
