2026 Best Value Nutrition Science Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nutrition Science master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 169 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Nutrition Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is The Sage Colleges, our #1 best-value Nutrition Science school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,164. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $26,702. Median earnings reach $58,316 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 53% of applicants are accepted. See the full The Sage Colleges profile
A rank of #2 makes Saint Joseph College one of the best values in the United States. Located in West Hartford, CT, Saint Joseph College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,278. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $27,798. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,908. 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
Out of the 169 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #3 spot. Set in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $25,449. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Out of the 169 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Texas Womans University landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Students borrow a median of $28,211 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas Womans University
A rank of #5 makes Texas Tech University one of the best values in the United States. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
Dominican University placed #6 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Dominican University is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,828. Students borrow a median of $26,236 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,327 ten years after entry. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Dominican University profile
California State University Chico placed #7 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Located in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,472, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $19,272 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full California State University Chico report
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $17,620. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. Set against $17,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. Get the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo report
Texas A And M University College Station placed #8 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Students borrow a median of $21,850 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. 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 has an acceptance rate of 57%. More on Texas A And M University College Station
San Jose State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. More on San Jose State University
Metropolitan State College Of Denver came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,093. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State College Of Denver has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Metropolitan State College Of Denver
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $21,275. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,275 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Liberty University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $27,414 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on Liberty University
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Montclair State University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $25,286 in debt. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. 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
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #16 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Stevens Point, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $24,161. Median earnings reach $52,021 ten years out. 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
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
University Of Kansas landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Kansas State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $24,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Kansas State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,386 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Southeast Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Cape Girardeau, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. Students borrow a median of $23,289 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,030 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,289 median debt. Southeast Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #23 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Utah landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $20,798. Median earnings reach $67,170 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Utah
New York University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on New York University
University Of California Davis came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $14,166. Median earnings reach $80,838 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Davis
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nutrition Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
California State University Long Beach came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. California State University Long Beach Nutrition Science students take on a median of $15,671 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,403. Set against $15,671 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Long Beach
Iowa State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $16,474. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. More on Iowa State University
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro placed #29 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $26,656. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro alumni report median earnings of $48,160 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,656 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Rutgers University New Brunswick landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Tufts University placed #31 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Tufts University is a private not-for-profit school based in Medford, MA. Students from in state pay about $70,704 in tuition and fees. Tufts University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $17,074 in debt. Median earnings reach $83,214 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tufts University has an acceptance rate of 12%. More on Tufts University
Northeastern University Global Network came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,688. Students borrow a median of $27,055 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. Set against $27,055 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northeastern University Global Network profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $24,586. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $24,586 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $23,530. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
University Of Georgia landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. University Of Georgia Nutrition Science students take on a median of $24,710 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. Set against $24,710 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about University Of Georgia
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $24,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Fort Collins admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Auburn University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,337 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. See the full Auburn University profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Nutrition Science students take on a median of $20,778 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
San Diego State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Read the full report on San Diego State University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $22,511. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Vermont placed #41 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. University Of Vermont is a public school based in Burlington, VT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,058, while out-of-state students pay about $45,502. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,472 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Vermont
Drexel University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $28,838. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,648. Set against $28,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drexel University admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Drexel University
Boston University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Based in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $25,232. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,238 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,232 median debt. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Boston University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #44 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. University Of Nevada Las Vegas Nutrition Science students take on a median of $15,815 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,815 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
Utah State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Utah State University is a public school based in Logan, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $16,191. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants. See the full Utah State University profile
Mississippi State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Mississippi State University is a public school based in Mississippi State, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Mississippi State University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $23,969 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,513 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Mississippi State University report
Columbia University In The City Of New York offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $23,258. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,491 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $23,563. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Set against $23,563 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on University Of Arizona
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $24,094. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,025. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
Baylor University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,100. Graduates carry a median of $23,928 in student loans. Baylor University alumni report median earnings of $65,793 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,928 median debt. The acceptance rate is 51%. Read more about Baylor University
Michigan State University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. See the full Michigan State University profile
Related Nutrition Science Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Nutrition Science Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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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