2026 Best Value Nutrition Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Nutrition Science programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 169 schools 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Nutrition Science Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found The Sage Colleges to be the best-value Nutrition Science school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,164. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $26,702. Median earnings reach $58,316 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 53% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The Sage Colleges report
You'll get strong value at University Of Alabama At Birmingham, which ranked #2 this year. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public school based in Birmingham, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $9,098, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $26,162. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,501 ten years after entry. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham profile
You'll get strong value at Tulsa Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Tulsa Community College is a public school based in Tulsa, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,792, compared with $9,720 for out-of-state students. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $15,789. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,746 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Tulsa Community College
A rank of #4 makes Saint Joseph College one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Hartford, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $47,278. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $27,798. Saint Joseph College alumni report median earnings of $59,908 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,798 median debt. Saint Joseph College has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read more about Saint Joseph College
A rank of #5 makes Bowling Green State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $25,449. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
California State University Chico placed #6 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Based in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. Students borrow a median of $19,272 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,172 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Chico has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full California State University Chico report
Texas Tech University placed #7 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Nutrition Science students take on a median of $15,117 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
San Jose State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about San Jose State University
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $22,386 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Texas Womans University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Graduates carry a median of $28,211 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. Set against $28,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full Texas Womans University report
Liberty University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full Liberty University report
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,161 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. Set against $24,161 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
Dominican University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in River Forest, IL, Dominican University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,828. Students borrow a median of $26,236 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Median earnings reach $60,327 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Dominican University
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Kansas
Kansas State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. 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. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $24,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kansas State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #18 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $17,620. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo alumni report median earnings of $90,768 a decade after entry. Set against $17,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Southeast Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Southeast Missouri State University is a public school based in Cape Girardeau, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,903. Students borrow a median of $23,289 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,289 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southeast Missouri State University report
The University Of Texas Pan American offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Graduates carry a median of $14,694 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,620 ten years out. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full The University Of Texas Pan American report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #22 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #24 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $16,481 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Set against $16,481 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Southern Indiana placed #25 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Based in Evansville, IN, University Of Southern Indiana is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,066 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,907. University Of Southern Indiana Nutrition Science students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,605. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Southern Indiana profile
University Of Utah landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $20,798. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Utah
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nutrition Science Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Iowa State University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $16,474. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Iowa State University report
California State Polytechnic University Pomona ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. This public school is set in Pomona, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $17,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,902. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
La Salle University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. La Salle University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $28,628 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,628 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about La Salle University
Texas A And M University College Station placed #30 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $21,850. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Montclair State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Graduates carry a median of $25,286 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Montclair State University
California State University Long Beach came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $15,671. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,511 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro placed #34 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Based in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $26,656. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. That is a strong return on a $26,656 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #35 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #36 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Tufts University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,704. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $17,074. Median earnings reach $83,214 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,074 median debt. Tufts University has an acceptance rate of 12%. See the full Tufts University profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $24,586 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $24,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read the full report on Auburn University
California State University Sacramento landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $17,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. That is a strong return on a $17,492 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Sacramento
Northeastern University Global Network placed #41 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $50,688. Students borrow a median of $27,055 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $27,055 median debt. More on Northeastern University Global Network
Metropolitan State College Of Denver landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Denver, CO, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,124, compared with $30,684 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,093 ten years after entry. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Metropolitan State College Of Denver report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $20,778. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
San Francisco State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. San Francisco State University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $17,137 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,077 ten years after entry. Set against $17,137 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full San Francisco State University report
San Diego State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $18,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. More on San Diego State University
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,750 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Median earnings reach $60,543 ten years out. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Colorado State University Fort Collins
New York University placed #48 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. New York University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,509 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. More on New York University
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Nutrition Science students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
University Of California Berkeley landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,182 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Georgia placed #50 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $24,710. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full University Of Georgia profile
University Of California Davis ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Students borrow a median of $14,166 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
Best Value Nutrition Science Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Nutrition Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nutrition Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nutrition Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nutrition Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nutrition Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nutrition Science Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nutrition Science 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 169 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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