2026 Best Value Food Nutrition Services Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Food Nutrition Services master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 272 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Arizona State University Skysong earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Dakota State University Main Campus earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $25,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
A rank of #3 makes University Of Delaware one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Students borrow a median of $25,536 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,536 median debt. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full University Of Delaware profile
You'll get strong value at Central Michigan University, which ranked #4 this year. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Central Michigan University Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $27,857 in debt. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus earned it the #5 place in the United States. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public school based in Indiana, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $51,019 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus report
South Dakota State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. 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. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
University Of Central Arkansas placed #7 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. University Of Central Arkansas is a public school based in Conway, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $10,523, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $22,906. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. Set against $22,906 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Central Arkansas
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $25,256 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Benedictine University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lisle, IL, Benedictine University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,648. Students borrow a median of $26,675 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Median earnings reach $63,446 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,675 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Benedictine University report
University Of Wyoming placed #10 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
East Carolina University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. East Carolina University is a public school based in Greenville, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Students borrow a median of $24,747 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on East Carolina University
Framingham State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Framingham State University is a public school based in Framingham, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,920, with out-of-state students paying around $18,000. Graduates carry a median of $26,674 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,349 ten years out. Set against $26,674 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Framingham State University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Framingham State University
Cuny Lehman College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Set in Bronx, NY, Cuny Lehman College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,410, while out-of-state students pay about $15,360. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $13,213. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,013. That is a strong return on a $13,213 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny Lehman College
Texas State University San Marcos placed #14 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,354 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,354 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
Texas Womans University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $14,104. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,104 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Texas Womans University
University Of Central Missouri landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,050 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. University Of Central Missouri Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $24,304 in debt. University Of Central Missouri alumni report median earnings of $49,560 a decade after entry. Set against $24,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read more about University Of Central Missouri
Iowa State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Iowa State University Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $23,495 in debt. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on Iowa State University
University Of Bridgeport landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bridgeport, CT, University Of Bridgeport is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Bridgeport has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full University Of Bridgeport profile
Madonna University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Madonna University is a private not-for-profit school based in Livonia, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,440. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $26,896. Madonna University alumni report median earnings of $59,058 a decade after entry. Set against $26,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Madonna University
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $23,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kansas State University
University Of Houston ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $19,700 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Houston
The University Of Alabama ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. The University Of Alabama is a public school based 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. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Alabama admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Alabama
University Of Southern Mississippi offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. University Of Southern Mississippi Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $25,415 in debt. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Mississippi admits about 99% of applicants. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
American University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,771. Students borrow a median of $24,139 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. American University alumni report median earnings of $77,370 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%. More on American University
Eastern Michigan University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. This public school is set in Ypsilanti, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Students borrow a median of $28,781 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,793 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,781 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Eastern Michigan University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Food Nutrition Services Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $21,897. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,509. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on New York University
Nova Southeastern University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Students from in state pay about $38,700 in tuition and fees. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $25,021. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,209. Set against $25,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read the full report on Nova Southeastern University
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #28 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $26,654 in student loans. Ohio State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $60,409 a decade after entry. 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
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #29 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Case Western Reserve University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,608. Case Western Reserve University Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $25,106 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,989 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Case Western Reserve University profile
Arizona State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arizona State University profile
Michigan State University placed #31 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $25,213. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. That is a strong return on a $25,213 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Michigan State University
Samford University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Samford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Birmingham, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $40,150. Graduates carry a median of $21,039 in student loans. Samford University alumni report median earnings of $58,469 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Samford University profile
University Of Arizona came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,861 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,861 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Arizona
University Of New Mexico Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,140, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. University Of New Mexico Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $44,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. University Of New Mexico Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus profile
Baylor University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,100. Typical Food Nutrition Services student debt is $26,757. Baylor University alumni report median earnings of $65,793 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,757 median debt. Baylor University admits about 51% of applicants. Get the full Baylor University report
North Carolina A And T State University placed #38 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Based in Greensboro, NC, North Carolina A And T State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,813, while out-of-state students pay about $20,673. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $31,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,440. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%. Read the full report on North Carolina A And T State University
University Of Kentucky landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,270 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
University Of Rhode Island placed #40 among the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools in the United States. Based in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,942, compared with $37,146 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,432 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,743 ten years after entry. Set against $23,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on University Of Rhode Island
Winthrop University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rock Hill, SC, Winthrop University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,678, while out-of-state students pay about $28,676. The median Food Nutrition Services program debt is $27,000. Winthrop University alumni report median earnings of $47,185 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winthrop University admits about 79% of applicants. Get the full Winthrop University report
Syracuse University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Located in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,528 in tuition and fees. Syracuse University Food Nutrition Services students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,164. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Syracuse University has an acceptance rate of 46%. See the full Syracuse University profile
Wayne State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,493. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Wayne State University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Students borrow a median of $23,730 to complete their Food Nutrition Services program here. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Cuny Hunter College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Hunter College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Graduates carry a median of $11,091 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,163 ten years out. Set against $11,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants. More on Cuny Hunter College
Oakwood University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Oakwood University
Azusa Pacific University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. More on Azusa Pacific University
Diablo Valley College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Get the full Diablo Valley College report
Bluffton University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. More on Bluffton University
Central Carolina Community College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Central Carolina Community College
Lincoln University Missouri ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Food Nutrition Services schools. Get the full Lincoln University Missouri report
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Nutrition Services Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Food Nutrition Services Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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