2026 Best Value Nutrition Science Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nutrition Science master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 169 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
The Sage Colleges tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Nutrition Science master's degree schools in the United States. The Sage Colleges is a private not-for-profit school based in Troy, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,164. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $26,702. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,316. That is a strong return on a $26,702 median debt. The Sage Colleges has an acceptance rate of 53%. More on The Sage Colleges
Out of the 169 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Saint Joseph College landed the #2 spot. Based in West Hartford, CT, Saint Joseph College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,278. Graduates carry a median of $27,798 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,908. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Saint Joseph College report
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. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $25,449. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
You'll get strong value at Texas Womans University, which ranked #3 this year. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Texas Womans University
Texas Tech University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Nutrition Science ranking in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $24,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Dominican University placed #6 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Located in River Forest, IL, Dominican University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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%. Get the full Dominican University report
California State University Chico came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,472 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,072. California State University Chico Nutrition Science students take on a median of $19,272 in debt. California State University Chico alumni report median earnings of $64,172 a decade after entry. Set against $19,272 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Chico has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full California State University Chico report
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Typical Nutrition Science student 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. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Texas A And M University College Station
San Jose State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report
Metropolitan State College Of Denver ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Located in Denver, CO, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,124, with out-of-state students paying around $30,684. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,093. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on Metropolitan State College Of Denver
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 15%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $21,275. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Liberty University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $27,414. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Liberty University
Montclair State University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $25,286. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Montclair State University
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point Nutrition Science students take on a median of $24,161 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,021. Set against $24,161 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Nutrition Science students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
University Of Kansas ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $23,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Kansas State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Kansas State University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $24,625 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Kansas State University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,386 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Southeast Missouri State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Southeast Missouri State University is a public school based in Cape Girardeau, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $23,289. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,030. That is a strong return on a $23,289 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on Southeast Missouri State University
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #23 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $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. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
University Of Utah came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. University Of Utah Nutrition Science students take on a median of $20,798 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Utah
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,509 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read more about New York University
University Of California Davis came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $14,166. 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 more about 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. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Graduates carry a median of $15,671 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. Read more about California State University Long Beach
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $16,474 in student loans. 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. Read more about Iowa State University
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Graduates carry a median of $26,656 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. Set against $26,656 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Rutgers University New Brunswick Nutrition Science students take on a median of $25,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
Tufts University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,704. Tufts University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $17,074 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,214. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tufts University has an acceptance rate of 12%. Read more about Tufts University
Northeastern University Global Network offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,688. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $27,055. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $27,055 median debt. More on Northeastern University Global Network
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #33 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $24,586. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $24,586 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $23,530. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
University Of Georgia came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $24,710. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,710 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Georgia
Colorado State University Fort Collins ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Set in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,750 in student loans. Colorado State University Fort Collins alumni report median earnings of $60,543 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Auburn University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. The median Nutrition Science program debt is $26,000. Auburn University alumni report median earnings of $65,337 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Auburn University report
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,778 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
San Diego State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Get the full San Diego State University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Nutrition Science students take on a median of $22,511 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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 has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Vermont landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,058 in tuition and fees, compared with $45,502 for out-of-state students. University Of Vermont Nutrition Science students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,472. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Vermont
Drexel University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Drexel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,838 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,648. That is a strong return on a $28,838 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. More on Drexel University
Boston University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Boston University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Typical Nutrition Science student debt is $25,232. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,238. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. Read more about Boston University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. Students from in state pay about $9,748 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Students borrow a median of $15,815 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,815 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Utah State University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Utah State University is a public school based in Logan, UT. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete their Nutrition Science program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,022. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on Utah State University
Mississippi State University placed #46 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mississippi State, MS. Students from in state pay about $10,202 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Graduates carry a median of $23,969 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Mississippi State University
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,491. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile
University Of Arizona placed #48 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Baylor University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nutrition Science schools. Located in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,100. Baylor University Nutrition Science students take on a median of $23,928 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,793 ten years after entry. Set against $23,928 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 51%. Get the full Baylor University report
University Of Kentucky placed #49 among the best-value Nutrition Science schools in the United States. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. University Of Kentucky Nutrition Science students take on a median of $24,094 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,025. That is a strong return on a $24,094 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
Michigan State University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on Michigan State University
Related Nutrition Science Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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
This list is compiled 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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