2026 Best Value Food Nutrition Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Food Nutrition Services bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 272 schools 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Johnson And Wales University Online earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. Students from in state pay about $13,365 in tuition and fees. Johnson And Wales University Online Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $43,418 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Johnson And Wales University Online admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Johnson And Wales University Online report
A rank of #2 makes Arizona State University Skysong one of the best values in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Dakota State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
A rank of #4 makes Western Illinois University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Western Illinois University Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $27,639 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Out of the 272 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Texas Womans University landed the #5 spot. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Students borrow a median of $14,104 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas Womans University
Western Michigan University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,987 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Students borrow a median of $27,981 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Western Michigan University report
Framingham State University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Framingham State University is a public school based in Framingham, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,920 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,000 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,674 in student loans. Framingham State University alumni report median earnings of $52,349 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Framingham State University admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Framingham State University profile
Suny College At Oneonta came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Oneonta, NY, Suny College At Oneonta is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Suny College At Oneonta alumni report median earnings of $60,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,046 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Suny College At Oneonta
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
Stephen F Austin State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,634. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. More on Stephen F Austin State University
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,400 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $51,019 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $25,536. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full University Of Delaware profile
University Of Central Arkansas landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $22,906. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,906 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on University Of Central Arkansas
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $25,256 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $19,584 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $19,584 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Students borrow a median of $23,354 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Set against $23,354 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. More on Texas State University San Marcos
Morgan State University placed #18 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $8,229, with out-of-state students paying around $19,124. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $34,537. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,698. Set against $34,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Morgan State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $21,577. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Students borrow a median of $26,654 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,654 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
Alcorn State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. This public school is set in Alcorn State, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,785. Students borrow a median of $29,674 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Alcorn State University alumni report median earnings of $36,421 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,674 median debt. Alcorn State University has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on Alcorn State University
Georgia Southern University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Statesboro, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,022, with out-of-state students paying around $17,734. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,236. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgia Southern University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Georgia Southern University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Houston ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $19,700. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,700 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Houston
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Food Nutrition Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,659 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $23,659 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
The University Of Alabama landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,180, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,221. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Alabama
Cuny Hunter College placed #28 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Cuny Hunter College is a public school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,091 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,163 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted. See the full Cuny Hunter College profile
Middle Tennessee State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Set in Murfreesboro, TN, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,266, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $25,853. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,541. Set against $25,853 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. See the full Middle Tennessee State University profile
University Of Idaho ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Set in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,084, with out-of-state students paying around $28,320. Graduates carry a median of $29,566 in student loans. University Of Idaho alumni report median earnings of $54,670 a decade after entry. Set against $29,566 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Idaho
Johnson And Wales University Charlotte placed #31 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Charlotte, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,982. Johnson And Wales University Charlotte Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,418 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Johnson And Wales University Charlotte profile
Montana State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Bozeman, MT. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Graduates carry a median of $23,635 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,263. Set against $23,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Montana State University
Johnson And Wales University Providence landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Providence, RI, Johnson And Wales University Providence is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,982. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $27,000. 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 Providence has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Johnson And Wales University Providence
Weber State University placed #33 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Located in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,176 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,287. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Weber State University
Benedictine University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lisle, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $32,648. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $26,675. Median earnings reach $63,446 ten years out. Set against $26,675 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Benedictine University
University Of Arizona placed #38 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $21,861 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Eastern Kentucky University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $25,122. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,795. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full Eastern Kentucky University report
Case Western Reserve University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cleveland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,608. Students borrow a median of $25,106 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Median earnings reach $87,989 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 36%. Read more about Case Western Reserve University
University Of Kentucky placed #41 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $24,270. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
Madonna University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Madonna University admits about 63% of applicants. Read more about Madonna University
North Carolina A And T State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A And T State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,813, compared with $20,673 for out-of-state students. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $31,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,440 ten years after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%. Get the full North Carolina A And T State University report
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Arizona State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Arizona State University
Utah State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Students borrow a median of $9,718 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,022. Set against $9,718 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Utah State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Utah State University
New York University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Get the full New York University report
University Of New Mexico Main Campus landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,140, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $24,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,792 ten years after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Mexico Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus report
Winthrop University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Rock Hill, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $14,678, with out-of-state students paying around $28,676. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,185. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Winthrop University admits about 79% of applicants. See the full Winthrop University profile
Wayne State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $22,750. Median earnings reach $53,493 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wayne State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full Wayne State University report
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,250. Point Loma Nazarene University Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $22,542 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,998. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Point Loma Nazarene University
Baylor University landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waco, TX. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,757 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,793 ten years out. Set against $26,757 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Baylor University admits about 51% of applicants. Read more about Baylor University
Related Food Nutrition Services Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Food Nutrition Services Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. Schools are scored on 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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