2026 Best Value Food Nutrition Services Schools
Looking for the best-value Food Nutrition Services programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 272 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Food Nutrition Services Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
North Dakota State University Main Campus earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $25,153. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cabrillo College earned it the #2 place in the United States. This public school is set in Aptos, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,270, with out-of-state students paying around $9,862. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $10,425. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,114. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cabrillo College
Johnson And Wales University Online came in at #3 on this year's best-value Food Nutrition Services ranking in the United States. Located in Providence, RI, Johnson And Wales University Online is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,365. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,418. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Johnson And Wales University Online admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Johnson And Wales University Online report
Saint Louis Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Food Nutrition Services ranking in the United States. Saint Louis Community College is a public school based in Bridgeton, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, compared with $6,990 for out-of-state students. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $11,424. Saint Louis Community College alumni report median earnings of $35,325 a decade after entry. Set against $11,424 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Saint Louis Community College profile
A rank of #5 makes Arizona State University Skysong one of the best values in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Central Michigan University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Central Michigan University
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $24,989. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on South Dakota State University
Western Illinois University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,639 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Santa Ana College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Santa Ana, CA, Santa Ana College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,180, with out-of-state students paying around $10,756. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $11,196. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Santa Ana College
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,019. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus report
University Of Central Arkansas came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. University Of Central Arkansas is a public school based in Conway, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $22,906. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,906 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report
University Of Wyoming placed #12 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wyoming
University Of Delaware ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,536 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $25,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Delaware
Texas Womans University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,104 in student loans. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. Set against $14,104 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Womans University
Fresno City College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Fresno City College is a public school based in Fresno, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Fresno City College Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $7,234 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,361 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Fresno City College
East Carolina University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. East Carolina University is a public school based in Greenville, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. East Carolina University Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $24,747 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,146. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on East Carolina University
Western Michigan University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $27,981. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on Western Michigan University
Framingham State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Framingham, MA, Framingham State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,920, while out-of-state students pay about $18,000. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $26,674. Median earnings reach $52,349 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,674 median debt. Framingham State University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Framingham State University
Cuny Lehman College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Cuny Lehman College is a public school based in Bronx, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,410, with out-of-state students paying around $15,360. Cuny Lehman College Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $13,213 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,013. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny Lehman College report
Suny College At Oneonta landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Oneonta, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,831, compared with $19,781 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,046 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Suny College At Oneonta
Sam Houston State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $24,850. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Sam Houston State University
Stephen F Austin State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Stephen F Austin State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Stephen F Austin State University
University Of Central Missouri landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Central Missouri is a public school based in Warrensburg, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,304 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,560 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read the full report on University Of Central Missouri
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #24 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $25,256 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Food Nutrition Services Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Arkansas landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $24,400. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. Set against $24,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Central New Mexico Community College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,060 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $10,112. Central New Mexico Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,869 a decade after entry. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
Texas State University San Marcos came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $23,354 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. Set against $23,354 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,584 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $19,584 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Benedictine University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Benedictine University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lisle, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,648. Students borrow a median of $26,675 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Benedictine University report
University Of Bridgeport offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. University Of Bridgeport is a private not-for-profit school based in Bridgeport, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,760. University Of Bridgeport Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $28,601 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,323. Set against $28,601 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Bridgeport admits about 83% of applicants. More on University Of Bridgeport
Morgan State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,229, compared with $19,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $34,537 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Morgan State University profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $25,330 in debt. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Set against $25,330 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Kansas State University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $23,546. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kansas State University profile
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #36 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $26,654. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Set against $26,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,998 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $25,415. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi
Alcorn State University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Alcorn State, MS, Alcorn State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,785. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $29,674. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,421. Set against $29,674 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Alcorn State University admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full Alcorn State University report
American University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. American University Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $24,139 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,370 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,139 median debt. American University has an acceptance rate of 62%. See the full American University profile
Eastern Michigan University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $28,781. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full Eastern Michigan University report
Georgia Southern University placed #40 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Statesboro, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,236 ten years after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Georgia Southern University
The University Of Alabama came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tuscaloosa, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The University Of Alabama admits about 77% of applicants. More on The University Of Alabama
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Portland State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $26,475. Portland State University alumni report median earnings of $57,906 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Portland State University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
University Of Houston landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $19,700. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Set against $19,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Houston
New York University placed #47 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,509 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. See the full New York University profile
Nova Southeastern University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,700. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $25,021. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,209. That is a strong return on a $25,021 median debt. Nova Southeastern University admits about 73% of applicants. More on Nova Southeastern University
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #49 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,659 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $23,659 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Madonna University placed #50 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Set in Livonia, MI, Madonna University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,440 in tuition and fees. Madonna University Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $26,896 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,058 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,896 median debt. Madonna University has an acceptance rate of 63%. More on Madonna University
Best Value Food Nutrition Services Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Food Nutrition Services Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Nutrition Services Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Nutrition Services Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Nutrition Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Nutrition Services Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Nutrition Services Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Nutrition Services Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 272 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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