2026 Best Value Nutrition Science Schools
Looking for the best-value Nutrition Science programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 169 colleges 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, Grad Degree evaluated schools to produce 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:
For return on investment, no school beat The Sage Colleges this year in the United States. Based in Troy, NY, The Sage Colleges is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,164 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,702 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,316. Set against $26,702 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 53% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The Sage Colleges
Out of the 169 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Alabama At Birmingham landed the #2 spot. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,098 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. University Of Alabama At Birmingham Nutrition Science students take on a median of $26,162 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,501 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bowling Green State University Main Campus earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Nutrition Science students take on a median of $25,449 in debt. 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. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
You'll get strong value at Saint Joseph College, which ranked #4 this year. Set in West Hartford, CT, Saint Joseph College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,278 in tuition and fees. Saint Joseph College Nutrition Science students take on a median of $27,798 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,908 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,798 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. More on Saint Joseph College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas Womans University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $28,211. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,544 ten years after entry. Set against $28,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas Womans University
Texas Tech University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Dominican University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,828. Dominican University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $26,236 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,327 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. Dominican University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Dominican University
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $21,850. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. 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%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station
California State University Chico landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $19,272. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,172. Set against $19,272 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Chico
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Graduates carry a median of $17,620 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $17,620 median debt. The acceptance rate is 31%. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
San Jose State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on San Jose State University
Metropolitan State College Of Denver came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denver, CO, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,124, with out-of-state students paying around $30,684. Metropolitan State College Of Denver Nutrition Science students take on a median of $26,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,093 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State College Of Denver has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Metropolitan State College Of Denver
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $21,275. 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. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $22,386 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $22,386 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $27,414. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full Liberty University profile
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. 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. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Montclair State University
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Graduates carry a median of $24,161 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. Set against $24,161 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Nutrition Science students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,481 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Kansas State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,625 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Kansas State University profile
University Of Kansas landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. University Of Kansas Nutrition Science students take on a median of $23,608 in debt. 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. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Southeast Missouri State University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cape Girardeau, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,903. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $23,289. Median earnings reach $44,030 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on Southeast Missouri State University
University Of California Berkeley ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Located 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. Graduates carry a median of $16,182 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,182 median debt. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $20,500. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of California Davis landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $14,166. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,166 median debt. University Of California Davis admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Davis report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nutrition Science Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Utah ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,798 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Median earnings reach $67,170 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Utah
New York University placed #28 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. New York University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read the full report on New York University
California State University Long Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. California State University Long Beach Nutrition Science students take on a median of $15,671 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,671 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro placed #30 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Students borrow a median of $26,656 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,160 ten years after entry. Set against $26,656 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro report
Iowa State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Iowa State University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $16,474 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,474 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Iowa State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. 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, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,586 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Delaware came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Students borrow a median of $24,861 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Delaware
Rutgers University New Brunswick offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $25,250. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Tufts University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Based in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,704. Tufts University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $17,074 in debt. Median earnings reach $83,214 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,074 median debt. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Tufts University
Auburn University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Auburn University alumni report median earnings of $65,337 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. See the full Auburn University profile
Northeastern University Global Network came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,688. Northeastern University Global Network Nutrition Science students take on a median of $27,055 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,055 median debt. Get the full Northeastern University Global Network report
University Of Georgia landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $24,710. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,710 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Georgia
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Graduates carry a median of $24,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Colorado State University Fort Collins report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus Nutrition Science students take on a median of $23,530 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. Set against $23,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign placed #41 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical Nutrition Science student 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. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #42 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $22,511. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,511 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $18,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Read more about San Diego State University
Drexel University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,838 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drexel University has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on Drexel University
University Of Vermont landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Burlington, VT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,058, while out-of-state students pay about $45,502. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 65%. See the full University Of Vermont profile
University Of Florida ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $17,182. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Set against $17,182 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
Boston University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. 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. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $25,232. Boston University alumni report median earnings of $83,238 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. See the full Boston University profile
Pepperdine University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Malibu, CA. Students from in state pay about $69,918 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,645 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,939. That is a strong return on a $23,645 median debt. Pepperdine University admits about 63% of applicants. Read more about Pepperdine University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #50 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Based in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $15,815. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,815 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Utah State University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Graduates carry a median of $16,191 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. Set against $16,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Utah State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full Utah State University report
University Of Arizona ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $23,563. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
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
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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