Dieticians and nutritionists research how diet and nutrition affect human health and disease. They also promote good health by promoting nutritious eating habits and healthy choices. This significant covers the scientific and social sciences involved in food and human nutrition, optimising our health and well-being.
A degree in Nutrition and Dietetics provides evidence-based knowledge in medical nutrition therapy, public health nutrition, food service, the food industry, and food security. It provides students with practical experience and fosters continuous professional progression in healthcare and the food service industries.
The annual cost of studying for bachelor's and master's degrees in the United States can reach $62,000. The core components of the programme are clinical nutrition, pathophysiological and biochemical health, the recent development of food, diet and supplements, nutrition assessment, biochemistry, genetics, physiology, microbiology, immunology, and production and distribution of food.
After earning a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, students can work in clinical and non-clinical settings as dieticians, educators, public health promoters, educators, and consultants. According to PayScale's calculations, MS in Nutrition graduates may anticipate making an average salary of $58,000 annually.
Global ranking of some of the top universities in USA for Nutrition and Dietetics courses
Below is the list of best universities in the United States ranked based on their research performance in Nutrition and Food Science.
Ranking |
Universities/Colleges |
Location |
1 |
Cornell University |
New York State |
2 |
University of California - Davis |
California |
3 |
University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign |
Illinois |
6 |
University of Wisconsin - Madison |
Wisconsin |
8 |
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities |
Minnesota |
10 |
Iowa State University |
Iowa State |
11 |
University of Georgia |
Georgia |
13 |
Texas A&M University - College Station |
Texas |
14 |
Kansas State University |
Kansas State |
21 |
Pennsylvania State University |
Pennsylvania |
22 |
Ohio State University |
Ohio |
23 |
Purdue University |
Indiana |
28 |
North Carolina State University at Raleigh |
North Carolina |
29 |
Michigan State University |
Michigan |
34 |
Washington State University |
Washington |
35 |
University of Florida |
Florida |
Programs for Bachelors in Nutrition and Dietetics with tuition fees in the USA
The table below lists the top universities in the USA that offer an undergraduate program in Nutrition and Dietetics or a closely related field.
Universities/Colleges |
Courses |
Tuition fees per annum |
Cornell University |
Bachelor of Science (Nutritional Science Major) |
$62,456 |
University of California - Davis |
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition |
$42,954 $11,928+$31,026 |
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition |
$42,954 $11,928+$31,026 |
|
University of Wisconsin - Madison |
Bachelors of Science with Nutritional Science Major |
$39,354 |
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics |
$39,354 |
|
Texas A&M University - College Station |
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition |
$40,896 |
Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science- Nutrition and Dietetics Major |
$38,102 |
Ohio State University |
Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition |
$36,720 |
North Carolina State University at Raleigh |
Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science |
$30,869 |
Michigan State University |
Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science |
$43,522 |
Washington State University |
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology |
$26,974 $13,487*2 |
Academic Requirements
- A high school degree with courses taken in math, natural science, humanities, and social science.
- A minimum GPA score of 2.7 out of 4.0 or equivalent.
- SAT/ACT score if asked by the university.
English Test Scores
- IELTS: Overall minimum score of 6.0-6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements.
- TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 70-79.
- PTE: An overall score of 48-53.
Programs for Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics with tuition fees in the USA
The US offers course-based and thesis-based master's degrees in nutrition. The table below lists the top universities in the USA that provide a postgraduate program in nutrition and dietetics or a closely related field.
Universities/Colleges |
Courses |
Tuition fees per annum |
Cornell University |
Master of Science in Nutrition |
$40,888 |
University of California - Davis |
Master of Science in Nutrition Science |
$26,802 |
University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign |
Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences |
$29,034 |
University of Wisconsin - Madison |
Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences |
$25,504 |
Texas A&M University - College Station |
Master of Science in Nutrition |
$35,116 $17,558*2 |
Master of Clinical Nutrition |
$35,116 $17,558*2 |
|
Pennsylvania State University |
Master's Degree in Nutritional Sciences |
$31,194 |
Ohio State University |
Master of Dietetics and Nutrition |
$38,376 |
North Carolina State University at Raleigh |
Master of Science in Nutrition |
$28,301 $14,150.50*2 |
Michigan State University |
Master of Science Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics |
$29,772 $14,886*2 |
Washington State University |
Master of Science in Nutrition & Exercise Physiology |
$27,722 $13,861*2 |
Academic Requirements
- A relevant bachelor’s degree with prerequisite courses like chemistry, biochemistry, human anatomy, human physiology, human nutrition, microbiology with lab, general psychology etc.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- GRE score if asked by the university.
English Test Scores
- IELTS: Overall minimum score of 6.5-7.0 with a minimum 6.0 in all elements.
- TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 80-90.
- PTE: An overall score of 58.
Programs for PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics with tuition fees in the USA
The table below lists the top universities in the USA that offer a postgraduate research program in nutrition and dietetics or a closely related field.
Concentration in PhD courses:
- Community Nutrition Concentration
- Human Nutrition Concentration
- International Nutrition Concentration
- Molecular Nutrition Concentration
- Maternal and Child Nutrition Concentration
- Nutritional biochemistry
- Animal nutrition
- Nutrition and behaviour
- Physiology of digestion, nutrition and chronic disease
- Culture and nutrition
- Dietary assessment, protein and lipid metabolism
Universities/Colleges |
Courses |
Tuition fees per annum |
Cornell University |
PhD in Nutrition Sciences |
$20,800 |
University of California - Davis |
Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition Sciences |
$26,802 |
the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign |
Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences |
$29,034 |
University of Wisconsin - Madison |
PhD in Nutrition Sciences |
$25,504 |
Pennsylvania State University |
PhD in Nutritional Sciences |
$31,194 |
Ohio State University |
PhD in Nutritional Sciences |
$38,376 |
North Carolina State University at Raleigh |
Ph.D. in Nutrition Sciences |
$30,906 $15,453*2 |
Washington State University |
Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition & Exercise Physiology |
27,163 |
Academic Requirements
- An undergraduate degree in the relevant field.
- A related master’s degree with introductory general, organic, and biochemistry courses. In addition, basic training in nutrition, physiology, and biology is also recommended.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- GRE score if asked by the university.
English Test Scores
- IELTS: Overall minimum score of 6.5-7.0 with a minimum 6.0 in all elements.
- TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 80-90.
- PTE: An overall score of 58.
Top Nutrition and Dietetics Universities in the USA: Scholarships
International students are offered several merit-based scholarships at US universities. Some of the scholarships offered to international students at different universities in the USA are listed below.
Universities/Colleges |
Scholarship |
Amount |
Cornell University |
Teaching Assistantships |
A stipend of $30,088 + tuition fees + Cornell health insurance |
University of California - Davis |
Undergraduate Scholarship |
$100 to $14,000 |
Steindler, John F. Fellowship |
$40,000 stipend, fees and tuition, and nonresident supplemental tuition |
|
Texas A&M University - College Station |
International Texas Public Education Grant (ITPEG) |
N/A |
Pennsylvania State University |
University Scholarships |
$1,500 per year to $5,000 per year |
Ohio State University |
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant |
$4,000 |
Michigan State University |
International Tuition Grant |
$18,000- $25,000 |
Top Nutrition and Dietetics Universities in the USA: Scope
The graduates can find job opportunities in a wide range of areas, including
- Community nutrition
- Nutrition policy development
- Public health nutrition
- Community health
- Education and research
- Food manufacturing
- Government lobby groups
- Health and food fitness sector
- Research and development
- Health promotion
- Nutrition journalism
- Nutrition marketing and support for the food industry
- Sport and exercise nutrition and public relations
- Quality control and auditing
- Nutritional advice and support
- Innovative food technology
- Marketing and labelling
- Public health nutrition
Take a look at the table below for the Job profile and average yearly salary after this program.
Job Title |
Range |
Average |
Registered Dietitian |
$45k - $68k |
$54,806 |
Clinical Dietitian |
$44k - $65k |
$52,975 |
Dietitian |
$44k - $69k |
$55,136 |
Director Food and Nutrition Services |
$50k - $101k |
$72,331 |
Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) |
$53k - $85k |
$67,706 |
Clinical Nutrition Manager |
$51k - $82k |
$64,661 |
Food Service Manager |
$38k - $69k |
$52,196 |
Health Coach |
$42k - $70k |
$54,322 |
Renal Dietitian |
$54k - $81k |
$66,817 |
Nutrition Services Director |
$46k - $77k |
$61,414 |
Healthcare Consultant |
$46k - $86k |
$63,348 |