Choosing the right dietetics program is a critical first step toward becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)—especially as the field continues to evolve with new education models and licensing requirements. With the 2024 changes from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requiring a master’s degree to sit for the RDN exam, more students than ever are searching for programs that offer the strongest blend of academic rigor, practical training, and career outcomes.
In this 2025 guide, we’ve curated a list of the top 20 bachelor’s and graduate-level dietetics programs in the United States. These schools were selected based on several key criteria, including ACEND accreditation, availability of coordinated or integrated pathways (which combine classroom learning with supervised practice), student support, RDN exam pass rates, internship match rates, and real-world career readiness.
Whether you’re a high school student exploring nutrition careers or a current undergrad planning your next move, these programs represent the best of what the dietetics field has to offer. From major research universities to cutting-edge coordinated master’s programs, these schools are leading the way in preparing the next generation of food and nutrition experts.
Why These Universities Made the Cut
Each of these programs excels across multiple ranking criteria:
Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
ACEND Accreditation | Mandatory for RDN eligibility |
Exam Pass Rates | Reflect educational quality |
Clinical Training | Hands-on experience improves outcomes |
Research Reputation | Boosts opportunities & professional growth |
Flexibility | Online/hybrid options support diverse students |
Affordability | In-state vs. out-of-state tuition value |
These schools not only meet accreditation standards; they also offer high job placement, academic excellence, and strong preparatory support for licensure.
How to Choose What’s Best for You
Program focus: Undergraduate = RDN path; graduate = advanced practice or research
Credentials: Degree + DPD/C.P. = exam eligibility
Logistics: Location, cost, flexibility
Support: Exam prep, faculty mentorship, internship connections
1. Purdue University – B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics / M.S.
- ACEND-accredited DPD and CP
RDN first-time pass rate: 97.7% (2022–24)
High internship placement
Dual BS/MS options
2. Tufts University (Friedman School) – Graduate Programs
- Only stand-alone graduate school of nutrition in the U.S., highly respected globally
Offers customizable specializations (e.g., AI, food policy, sustainability)
Flexible pathways: full-time, part-time, and accelerated options for on-campus and online students
Strong experiential learning through research centers and Food Lab initiatives
3. University of California, Davis – B.S. Clinical Nutrition
- Robust dietetic internship affiliated with UC Davis Health, offering 1,200+ supervised hours
Emphasizes experiential learning in clinical, outpatient, and academic hospital settings
Commitment to interdisciplinary education and evidence-based practice
Small, competitive cohort aiming to provide personalized mentorship
4. University of Wisconsin–Madison – B.S. Nutritional Sciences (DPD & research tracks)
- ACEND-accredited program offering both DPD and research tracks
Faculty mentoring and robust research opportunities—58 faculty across 19+ departments
Over 80% of students participate in research or lab work
Unique global health and community programs like study abroad & the UW Mobile Clinic
Strong alumni network in clinical and public health sectors
5. Colorado State University – B.S. Nutrition and Food Science
- ACEND-accredited with a focus on applied nutrition and food science
Recognized as a top-10 value for nutrition programs (2025 data)
Emphasizes hands-on learning and community outreach
Diverse supervised practice opportunities in public health, clinical, and foodservice settings
6. Oregon State University – B.S. Nutrition (Pre-Dietetics & DPD)
- Flexible pre-dietetics to DPD pipeline; recognized as high-value
7. University of Texas at Austin – Coordinated & DPD Programs
- Offers combined BS/MS coordinated programs
8. San Diego State University – B.S. Foods and Nutrition (DPD)
- Strong DPD with WIC partnerships
9. Kansas State University – B.S. Nutritional Sciences + M.S./Ph.D. options
- Accredited B.S. and advanced research degrees
10. University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign – B.S. Food Science & Human Nutrition
- Research-strong, ACEND-accredited nutrition majors
11. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – MPH/SM in Nutrition
- Elite public health nutrition, rigorous academic training
12. University of Michigan SPH – MPH Nutrition
- Renowned public health nutrition school
13. Texas A&M SPH – MPH Nutrition/Public Health
- Top-30 U.S. program with solid nutrition content
14. Boston University (Sargent College) – B.S./M.S. Nutrition & Dietetics
- Strong clinical training and hospital ties
15. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill – B.S./MPH tracks in Nutrition & Global Public Health
- Strong clinical training and hospital ties