Getting one of the best online bachelor’s degrees in nutrition can help secure a well-paying job that’s versatile and in demand.
More and more studies have been coming out in recent years highlighting the impact your diet has on your overall health. This is causing more people to take charge of their health. This is where you would come in. An online bachelor’s degree in nutrition will teach you the skills to help people with their food and exercise choices in order to optimize their health.
Those with a nutrition science degree often become nutritionists and dieticians, but you can choose from a variety of different career paths with this degree. You could choose to become a food science technician or even a fitness trainer.
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Last updated: February 25, 2025
What are the Best Online Nutrition Degrees?
We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of CollegeRank utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following three aspects:
- 40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
- 30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation
- 30% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. To supply you with the best of the best in Bachelor’s in Nutrition degree programs, we considered the following points when compiling this list, such as:
- The school’s ability to provide a quality Associate’s degree program in the field of Nutrition,
- Offering various learning degree formats, such as online, on-campus, or hybrid coursework,
- Taught by professionals in the field of Nutrition,
- Offers financial aid opportunities, such as federal loans, scholarships, and grants,
- Prepares graduates for career placement in Nutrition.
For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
University of Arizona
A forward-thinking school with a number of great programs, of which nutritional science is just one, the University of Arizona is our top pick when it comes to online nutritional science programs. The degree offered by UA is a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences. UA’s online nutrition degree is fantastic, offering students a top-notch education in a convenient online setting.
At a net price of just over $14,000 per year, the UA online Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences is relatively affordable and offers an immense amount of value for the price. As one of just four accredited online undergraduate dietetics programs, UA’s curriculum has a lot to offer when it comes to academics.
The University of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 78.6%. This isn’t overly selective, so students with an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0 shouldn’t have too many problems getting in. The online nutritional sciences program is, hands down, the best in the country, and it’s one that should be looked at closely by students looking for a stellar program.
Kansas State University
Part of Kansas State University’s online College of Health and Human Sciences, KSU’s Bachelor of Nutrition and Health degree is ideal for preparing students for many high-paying and productive careers. According to KSU’s own data, this degree works best as a preparatory program for students who are in a pre-nursing, pre-dental, or other preparatory course for numerous different fields.
This program is one of the best in the nation when it comes to online nutritional health, and KSU’s acceptance rate is fairly lenient, at 95%. Most students, as long as they have a decent educational background, shouldn’t have too much of a struggle getting accepted.
KSU’s online Nutrition and Health program has been ranked one of the top five most affordable online programs in the United States, and it offers tremendous value to students who are interested in the field. KSU’s online health and nutrition program should be one of the first options students interested in nutrition should consider.
Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University, founded in 1901, is a mid-sized school with big aspirations and well-rounded programs. Enrolling in the Texas Woman’s University nutrition degree is one of the best ways to get hands-on, real-world experience in the field of nutrition. Students even have the opportunity to conduct field-related research with their professors, which provides them with a thorough understanding of the nutrition discipline as a whole.
Coming out of college, students will be well-equipped to enter many common nutritional sciences fields. Additionally, the bachelor’s degree in nutrition from TWU is a great preparatory degree for one of the many medical fields and professional studies that require advanced degrees.
Despite its name, Texas Woman’s University is, in fact, a coed school, so both men and women seeking a rewarding degree in nutrition should feel comfortable applying. Students can expect to complete the degree in four years or less. Between 120 and 123 credit hours, depending on circumstances, are required for graduation.
The University of Alabama
With its nutrition program, the University of Alabama offers an excellent online program for students who want to explore one of the many careers related to the degree. The technical term for the online nutrition degree at UA is a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition.
This online bachelor’s degree nutrition major is a great choice for online students who want to become registered dieticians. Nutrition courses cover areas like:
- food science
- purchasing and risk management in the food industry
- nutrition education
The University of Alabama boasts that recipients of its Food and Nutrition online degree may choose from a wide variety of careers and career settings once they’ve completed their studies.
Alumni of this program have found work in prestigious and well-paying positions, including food editor at myRecipes.com and regional manager at Frito-Lay. The University of Alabama is one of the highest-ranked colleges in the state of Alabama when it comes to alumni post-graduation annual salaries, at just over $40,000.
University of Northern Colorado
The University of Northern Colorado is a respected, affordable school that offers one of the few accredited online dietetics programs in the United States. It is not highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 90%, so most aspiring dietetics majors shouldn’t have any trouble gaining admission.
Thirty Didactic Program in Dietetics courses must be completed to earn a bachelor’s degree from UNC, 15 of which are provided online. To complete this degree, prior or concurrent coursework must be completed at another university and then transferred into the program. This doesn’t mean that UNC has a subpar program, though – it’s one of the best in the nation.
College students looking for an affordable yet quality choice for an online nutrition program should be sure to consider the University of Northern Colorado among their top choices. A well-respected program and streamlined distance experience are both elements that should encourage prospective or current students to take a look at UNC’s online nutrition sciences degree.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers hundreds of online degrees and certification programs. Students have the support of award-winning faculty who are dedicated to success in and out of the classroom. 80% of ASU graduates are employed within six months of graduation.
ASU offers a specialized food and nutrition degree designed for entrepreneurs. Online students can choose from three online nutrition degree tracks, including:
- community nutrition
- food service operations
- pre-dietetics
The program prepares students to tackle ongoing challenges, including managing inventory and preparing for eCommerce. Students learn how to develop an online presence while exploring routes for innovation.
Purdue University Global
Purdue Global is an online university designed for working adults. Adults are provided with recognition and support while they complete their degree in a flexible learning format. Purdue offers students many different ways to earn college credit through academic, professional, and military experience.
Purdue Global offers a bachelor’s degree in nutrition online. Students complete courses in 10-week terms, earning their degree in about four years. Purdue offers a concentration in holistic nutrition, which has been approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. The online education program prepares graduates for several different certifications and credentials, including:
- Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition
- Certified Clinical Nutritionist
- Certified Dietary Manager
Students can save money by transferring credits from other eligible institutions or earning undergraduate credit for life and professional career experience. Grants and other financial aid opportunities are also available.
Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is a public university located in Boone, North Carolina. There are over 20,000 students at ASU and more than 150 bachelor’s degree programs. Students have the opportunity to participate in research opportunities and service experiences to enhance their degree.
Appalachian State University offers a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food. The 120-credit hour program can be completed by both full and part-time students. This program is a great choice for students who want a broad-based nutrition degree but do not want to become a registered dietician. In addition to general education courses, students can expect to take courses such as:
- Nutrition Education
- Cultural Foods
- Nutrition Across the Lifecycle
The program admits both first-year college students as well as transfer students. Applications are due by November 1st for first-year students and July 1st for transfer students.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is the oldest and largest university in North Dakota. UND offers more than 225 accredited on-campus and online degree programs.
The online human nutrition bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota features asynchronous classes. Students can expect to learn through:
- lesson modules
- virtual libraries
- posted lectures
- online simulations
Required courses include:
- Community Nutrition
- Sports Nutrition
- Current Trends in Nutrition
All students complete a supervised practice in human nutrition before completing their degree. This experience prepares students for professional and graduate programs in the areas of health and nutrition.
UND students work closely with their own academic advisors. They have access to free online tutoring and unlimited academic coaching while they complete their degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the biggest advantages of getting an online nutrition degree is that you can work on your studies when it’s convenient for you. Many online programs offer asynchronous courses, meaning you don’t have to attend virtual classes at specific times. Another advantage of an online nutrition degree is that it prepares you for jobs in many different fields, from health education to food science to working in the food industry.
With so many career paths available, you can pursue your passion for nutrition how you see fit. This degree is also worth it because the knowledge and skills you gain can be used to help other people make healthier choices about the food they eat.
The average cost of an undergraduate degree in the U.S. is $36,436 per year, which includes tuition, fees, books, and daily living expenses. One of the most important factors in determining the cost of your specific nutrition degree is the price of tuition. In-state tuition at public colleges averages less than $10,000 per year. Out-of-state tuition is much more expensive – about $27,000 annually. You’ll pay an average of $38,768 for tuition each year at a private college.
Tuition isn’t the only expense to consider, though. The cost of your degree will also include fees, books and supplies, room and board if you live on campus, and costs to commute to campus if you live elsewhere. Even online students have additional expenses, like technology fees and the cost of appropriate computer software and hardware.
Hundreds of nutrition scholarships are available from sources nationwide. If you’re in high school, speak with your guidance counselor about available scholarships for nutrition majors. If you’re in college, visit the financial aid office for guidance. Merit-based and need-based scholarships are also available depending on your academic performance and financial situation, respectively. Other sources of financial aid that don’t have to be paid back include grants and work-study opportunities.
Nutrition science explores the relationship between nutrition, human health, and medicine. One of the main focuses is learning about healthy eating habits specific to one’s nutritional needs. You’ll also utilize chemistry, biology, and social science to analyze the effects of food and medicine on the body.
Other than science, you’ll learn communication, program management, and public policy skills. Some classes you may take in this program include:
• Nutrition and Exercise
• Human Metabolism
• Clinical Nutrition
• Sports Nutrition
Most colleges offering nutrition bachelor’s degree online programs require a high school diploma or GED to apply. Many programs also expect a 2.5 minimum GPA for admission. If you have a lower GPA, some online nutrition programs will still accept you if you have strong standardized test scores or relevant job experience. Additionally, you will likely need to submit some or all of the following:
• High school transcripts
• Transcripts from every college you’ve attended
• A list of academic honors and achievements
• A list of extracurricular activities
• Standardized test scores (though this is increasingly becoming optional)
Nutrition can be a challenging degree because of the number of required science courses. If you were strong in biology, chemistry, physiology, and other natural sciences in high school, you should be able to transition to collegiate studies without major problems. You should also be a strong researcher and writer, as these are common requirements for nutrition science bachelor’s programs.
A typical nutrition science bachelor’s degree is 120 credits, which takes about four years of full-time coursework to complete. Most students take 12-15 credits each spring and fall semester during that time. You can choose to take fewer courses if you like, which might add a year or two to your graduation timeline. You can also choose to take additional courses each semester or during summer sessions to graduate early, perhaps by a year or more.
Many nutritional science graduates go on to work as nutritionists or dietitians. These professionals help clients learn more about food, their bodies, and how making different food-related decisions can improve their health. In the U.S., “nutritionist” is a much broader term that isn’t regulated, while “dietician” is a health professional who must be registered or licensed to practice.
You may also become a management dietitian who plans food programs. You may manage other dietitians and/or the kitchen staff, too. You could also pursue a career as a clinical dietitian/nutritionist, in which you provide medical nutrition therapy. You might work in a healthcare facility, creating nutrition programs for patients based on their health needs while also improving their health through nutrition. You may choose to specialize and work with patients with specific conditions as well.
Yet another option is to work as a community dietitian or nutritionist. You would likely work with a specific group of people, like children or the elderly, to create programs and give guidance on public health topics. You might work in wellness centers or community organizations to provide nutritional-related guidance in those settings.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for dietitians and nutritionists is $69,680 per year. The highest 10 percent of workers in this field earn more than $98,830 per year. Treating practitioners and those involved in health diagnostics earn a salary of around $93,710 per year. However, these jobs require additional training and experience to reach these salaries.
As a bachelor’s degree graduate with little to no experience, you can expect to make around $44,000 per year. Aside from education and experience, your employer, geographic location, and relevant certifications and licensures can all heavily influence how much money you make in nutritional science.