Most Affordable Nutrition Programs

A college education is a valuable commodity in today’s world. It is almost impossible to get a “good job” without some type of college certificate or degree. But getting that certificate or degree can easily put you into debt.

As we have discussed in these salary pages, the mean annual wage for a nutritionist/dietitian, as of May 2022, is $69,350 per year. Dietetic technicians earn a mean annual wage of $36,370 per year. Jobs in nutrition are projected to grow by about seven percent from 2021 to 2031.

Going to college can be an expensive undertaking. Even if you can secure scholarships or grants, most students end up carrying some amount of student loan debt. According to Education Data Initiative, the average federal student loan debt is $37,340 as of 2022. As of 2023, per the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a bachelor’s degree, including books, supplies and daily living expenses, is $35,551 per year. Just 39.8 percent of students can fulfill the requirements for their degree in four years. For those who want to become a dietitian/nutritionist, as of January 1, 2024, a master’s degree is necessary. The Education Data Initiative notes that the average master’s degree costs $62,650 as of 2022.

We have already looked at the Top 35 Registered Dietitian Schools, the Top 35 Nutrition Degree Programs, and the Top 35 Online Nutrition and Dietetics Programs. The list below focuses on the most affordable nutrition-related programs. Each program listed here might not necessarily help you to land a job as a nutritionist or dietitian, but, because these are all nutrition-related programs, the degrees and certificates that these programs bestow will help you to break into nutrition professions, hopefully without accruing massive student loan debt.

How We Ranked the Top 40 Most Affordable Nutrition Related Programs

When selecting the schools listed below for our Top 40 Most Affordable Nutrition Related Programs, we kept a few different factors in mind. These were designed to help you find the best, most affordable nutrition programs for you.

Accreditation

Every school on this list has received institutional accreditation from one of the following regional accreditation bodies:

Institutional Accreditation

- Council on Occupational Education (COE)

- Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WASC)

- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)

Additionally, some programs listed also carry programmatic accreditation or approval from one of the following nutrition-related accreditation bodies:

Programmatic Accreditation or Approval

- Accreditation Council for Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)

- American Academy of Sports Dietitians and Nutritionists (AASDN)

- Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP)

- Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM)

- National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP)

- National Restaurant Association Solutions (NRAS)

Flexibility

Some of the nutrition related programs listed below are offered solely online. Others may be offered in a hybrid fashion, with some courses administered online and some given in-person. Still other nutrition related programs in this list offer in-person classes only. This flexibility is important to today’s students who lead busy lives with job, family, and other commitments.

Affordability

Each of the programs listed below are affordable. What, exactly, did we count as being affordable? Every program below carries 2022-23 tuition and fees that total no more than $15,000 per academic year. In some cases, you will notice a huge difference between tuition for students who are in-state residents versus those from out of state. Keep this in mind when you are selecting an affordable nutrition related program.

The top 40 most affordable nutrition related programs are listed below, by state, in alphabetical order, not in any ranking order. Some states will have more than one affordable program listed, while other states have no affordable programs listed.

Arizona

CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE, Coolidge, AZ

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Applied Science, Nutrition & Dietetic Technician
  - Dietary Manager Training (DMT) Certificate
  - Community Nutrition Worker (CNW) Certificate
  - Diabetes Care and Education (DCE) Certificate
  - Nutrition and Health Promotion (NHP) Certificate
  - - Nutrition and Foodservice Professional Training Program (NFSPTP) Certificate

- Accredited by HLC, ACEND

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $1500
  - - Out-of-state: $3000

- Contact: Sheri Steincamp, MS, RDN, CDCES, Director, at [email protected]

Central Arizona College’s AAS in Nutrition & Dietetic Technician program prepares students to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)’s Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) exam. Other certificates offered by the college prepare students to take the Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM, CFPP) exam of the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) and the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM).

CHANDLER-GILBERT COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Chandler, AZ

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Nutritional Science

- Accredited by HLC

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $2070
  - - Out-of-state: $7854

- Contact: Andrea Villarreal at [email protected] or (480) 732-7111

Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s AA in Nutritional Science is designed for students who intend to transfer to a four-year program upon graduation. There is an optional Dietetics transfer plan for students wishing to ultimately become RDNs.

PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Phoenix, AZ

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Nutritional Science
  - - Nutrition and Dietetic Technology Certificate

- Accredited by HLC, ACEND

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $2070
  - - Out-of-state: $7154

- Contact: Brian Wilson at [email protected]

Paradise Valley offers students two options. One is an AA degree with an emphasis in Nutritional Science, focusing on foundational nutritional training in non-clinical settings. The other is a certificate in Nutrition and Dietetic Technology, preparing graduates to take the CDR’s NDTR exam.

California

CHAFFEY COLLEGE, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Science for Transfer in Nutrition and Dietetics
  - Certificate in Nutrition and Foods
  - - Dietary Services Supervisor Certificate

- Accredited by ACCJC, ACEND

- Approved by the California State Department of Health

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $1184
  - - Out-of-state: $9392

- Contact: Candice Tinsley, Associate Professor at (909) 652-8019 or [email protected]

Chaffey College offers an Associate of Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college upon graduation. It also offers certificates that will allow students to take the CDM, CFPP exam upon graduation.

COSUMNES RIVER COLLEGE, Sacramento, CA

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Science in Nutrition and Foods
  - Associate of Science for Transfer in Nutrition and Foods
  - Certificate in Community Nutrition
  - - Certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition & Sustainable Agriculture

- Accredited by ACCJC

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $1288
  - - Out-of-state: $10,768

- Contact: Timaree Hagenburger at [email protected]

CRC’s AS programs are designed for two types of students: those who wish to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program, and those who wish to enter the workforce after graduation. The certificate programs can also lead to further education or to immediate employment upon graduation.

LOS ANGELES CITY COLLEGE, Los Angeles, CA

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Science for Transfer in Dietetics/Nutrition
  - - Certificate of Achievement in Dietetic Service Supervisors

- Accredited by ACCJC

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $1238
  - - Out-of-state: $9870

- Contact: Gayle Stafsky, MS, RD at [email protected] or (323) 953-4000 x2291

The Los Angeles City College’s programs include an AS for Transfer designed for students who wish to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program and ultimately become an RDN, as well as a certificate leading to eligibility to take the CDM, CFPP examination.

ORANGE COAST COLLEGE, Costa Mesa, CA

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Technician
  - - Certified Dietary Manager Certificate of Achievement

- Accredited by ACCJC, ACEND

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $1202
  - - Out-of-state: $8762

- Contact: (714) 432-0202 x26430 or [email protected]

Orange Coast College offers two programs in the nutrition related field. One is an AS in Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, leading to eligibility to take the CDR’s NDTR exam. The other is a certificate in Certified Dietary Manager, leading to eligibility to take the CBDM’s CDM, CFPP examination.

SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE, Santa Rosa, CA

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Arts in Nutrition and Dietetics
  - - Dietary Manager Certificate

- Accredited by ACCJC

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $1318
  - - Out-of-state: $9310

- Contact: Jill Tarver, Program Coordinator at (707) 521-6921 or [email protected]

Students at Santa Rosa Junior College have two options when it comes to nutrition-related programs. One is the AA in Nutrition and Dietetics, which can help those who plan to go on to get a bachelor’s degree and/or ultimately become an RDN. The other is a Dietary Manager certificate. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the CDM, CFPP exam.

District of Columbia

UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Washington, DC

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

- Accredited by MSCHE, ACEND

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $6152
  - - Out-of-state: $13,004

- Contact: Dr. B. Michelle Harris, Director at (202) 274-5739 or [email protected]

UDC’s BS in Nutrition and Dietetics is a DPD program that is ACEND-accredited. This program, when followed by a DI, is designed to make students eligible to take the RDN exam. However, as of January 1, 2024, a master’s degree will be necessary to sit for the RDN exam.

Florida

HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Tampa, FL

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Science in Culinary and Dietetic Management
  - Associate of Science in Restaurant Management
  - Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  - - Certificate in Food and Beverage Operations

- Accredited by SACSCOC

- Approved by ANFP

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $2506
  - - Out-of-state: $9111

- Contact: Latrecia M. Rice at [email protected] or (813) 253-6379

The dietary offerings at Hillsborough Community College are varied and affordable, ranging from dietetics to culinary and restaurant-focused. Courses prepare students to take the CDM, CFPP exam and to apply for membership in the ANFP.

Georgia

LIFE UNIVERSITY, Marietta, GA

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  - Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  - - Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

- Accredited by SACSCOC, ACEND

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - - $14,406

- Contact: Michelle Elkadi at [email protected]

Life University’s nutrition programs include a BS in Dietetics that is ACEND-accredited to lead to eligibility to take the RDN exam. However, as of Jan. 1, 2024, a master’s degree will be necessary to take the exam. The other two BS programs are designed for students who want to become nutritionists but not registered dietitians and wish to work in the nutrition field in some other capacity.

Illinois

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, Dekalb, IL

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics and Wellness

- Accredited by HLC, ACEND

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - - $12,662

- Contact: (815) 753-1384 or [email protected]

NIU’s BS in Nutrition, Dietetics and Wellness has two tracks. The first is a DPD, designed to lead to eligibility to take the RDN exam (however, as of Jan. 1, 2024, a master’s degree is necessary to take the exam). The other track is in Nutrition, Health and Wellness and prepares students for entry into the nutrition workforce as well as for graduate study.

Indiana

PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL, West Lafayette, IN

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

- Accredited by HLC

- Approved by NANP

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $10,134
  - - Out-of-state: $14,445

- Contact: (844) PURDUE-G

Purdue Global’s BS in Nutrition is offered completely online. It does not lead to RDN certification. Completion of this program can, however, make students eligible for other certifications, including, but not limited to Certified Dietary Manager (CDM), Certified Food Protection Professional (CFPP), Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition (BCHN), and Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN).

Kansas

BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Great Bend, KS

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM, CFPP)
  - Associate in Science, Emphasis in Dietary Management
  - Associate in Science, Emphasis in Pre-Dietetics
  - - Associate in Science, Emphasis in Nutrition and Health

- Accredited by HLC

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-district: $3616
  - In-state: $3904
  - - Out-of-state: $4741

- Contact: Emily Cowles at [email protected]

The dietary programs offered at Barton County Community College are flexible, with most courses offered online. These courses can help you to become a CDM, CFPP or to earn an associate degree. Some students may choose to transfer to a Bachelor of Dietetics degree program at Kansas State University after graduation.

NEOSHO COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Chanute, KS

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Dietary Manager Certificate

- Accredited by HLC

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - - $5474

- Contact: Karah Kellogg at (620) 432-0318 or [email protected]

Neosho County Community College’s Dietary Manager Certificate program prepares students to take the CDM, CFPP examination upon graduation. CDMs work with RDNs to provide nutritional care in a variety of non-commercial settings, as well as within a foodservice operation.

Louisiana

MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY, Lake Charles, LA

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

- Accredited by SACSCOC, ACEND

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $8440
  - - Out-of-state: $9940

- Contact: College of Agricultural Sciences at (337) 562-4690

McNeese State’s BS in Nutrition and Dietetics is designed for students who want to become RDNs. Classes are on-campus and students have access to state-of-the-art facilities to apply what they learn in the classroom. Graduates are prepared to enter a master’s degree program which will lead to RDN eligibility.

NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY, Thibodaux, LA

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

- Accredited by SACSCOC, ACEND

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $8156
  - - Out-of-state: $9249

- Contact: Dr. Brigett Scott at (985) 449-7124 or [email protected]

Nicholls State’s BS in Dietetics is a Didactic Program in Dietetics designed to help students become RDNs. Following this program, supervised practice and a master’s degree, students will be eligible to sit for the CDR’s RDN exam.

Maine

SOUTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Portland, ME

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Associate of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

- Accredited by NECHE

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $3797
  - - Out-of-state: $6677

- Contact: Deborah Brooks, Faculty Chair at (207) 741-5648 or [email protected]

SMCC’s AS in Nutrition and Dietetics is designed mainly for students who wish to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in nutrition and dietetics. The school has transfer agreements with universities including, but not limited to, Johnson & Wales University, Mount Holyoke College, Saint Joseph’s College, and Southern New Hampshire University.

Minnesota

NORTHLAND COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE, Thief River Falls, MN

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Associate of Applied Science in Dietetic Technician

- Accredited by HLC

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - - $6243

- Contact: Tiffany Beneda, Advisor, at (218) 7;93-2402 or [email protected]

Northland’s AAS in Dietetic Technician program is offered completely online, although students must secure their own in-person internships as part of the program. Graduates will be prepared to take the CDR’s NDTR examination to become a Dietetic Technician, Registered.

Nebraska

NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Norfolk, NE

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Science in Pre-Dietetics
  - - Certificate in Food Service/Dietary Management

- Accredited by HLC

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $3840
  - - Out-of-state: $5130

- Contact: (402) 371-2020 or (800) 348-9033 or [email protected]

Northeast Community College offers an AS Pre-Dietetics degree for those who wish to go on to get advanced degrees and become an RDN, as well as a certificate in dietary management. Graduates are eligible to take the CDM, CFPP exam.

Nevada

TRUCKEE MEADOWS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Reno, NV

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Applied Science in Dietetic Technician
  - - Associate of Science in Dietetic Technician

- Accredited by NWCCU, ACEND

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $3162
  - - Out-of-state: $10,639

- Contact: Heather Graham Williams, Program Coordinator at (775Z) 673-7138 or [email protected]

TMCC’s two degree programs for dietetic technicians both lead to eligibility to take the CDR’s NDTR exam. The AAS degree is a stand-alone degree. The AS degree, on the other hand, is intended for students who plan to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program.

New Jersey

CAMDEN COUNTY COLLEGE, Blackwood, NJ

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Associate in Applied Science in Dietetic Technology

- Accredited by MSCHE, ACEND

- Approved by NJ Commission on Higher Education

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-district: $3648
  - In-state: $3744
  - - Out-of-state: $3744

- Contact: Professor Marsha Patrick, MS, RD, FAND, Coordinator, at (856) 227-7200 x 4665 or [email protected]

Camden County College’s Dietetic Technology degree program prepares students to take the CDR’s NDTR exam. Some students may choose to transfer to a four-year program after completion of this affordable degree.

MIDDLESEX COLLEGE, Edison, NJ

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Associate of Science for Transfer- Dietetics

- Accredited by MSCHE

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-district: $4284
  - In-state: $6876
  - - Out-of-state: $6876

- Contact: (732) 548-6000

Middlesex College’s AS in Dietetics is intended for students who plan to transfer to a four-year program upon graduation. It consists of science, dietetics, and general education courses, paralleling the first two years of a bachelor’s degree program.

OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE, Toms River, NJ

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Certified Nutrition Specialist

- Accredited by MSCHE

- Approved by AASDN

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-district: $5250
  - In-state: $5790
  - - Out-of-state: $8100

- Contact: Workforce and Professional Education at (732) 255-0409 or [email protected]

Ocean County College’s Certified Nutrition Specialist program meets the standard of the American Academy of Sports Dietitians and Nutritionists (AASDN) Nutrition Specialist credential. The online certification exam may be taken the last day of the course.

New Mexico

CENTRAL NEW MEXICO COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Albuquerque, NM

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Science in Nutrition
  - - Certificate of Achievement, Dietary Manager

- Accredited by HLC

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $1858
  - - Out-of-state: $7978

- Contact: Nora Mendoza, MSE Program Manager at (505) 224-4000 x 52158

Central New Mexico Community College’s AS in Nutrition can be completed part- or full-time. It is designed for those seeking immediate employment after graduation as well as those wishing to transfer to a four-year program. Classes are held on campus. The Certificate of Achievement prepares students to take the CDM, CFPP examination.

New York

BRONX COMMUNITY COLLEGE, CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, Bronx, NY

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Associate of Science in Dietetics & Nutrition Science with two options:
      - Dietetics, Foods & Nutrition
      - Food Service & Nutrition

- Accredited by MSCHE

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $5206
  - - Out-of-state: $8086

- Contact: Professor Charmaine Aleong at [email protected]

CUNY BCC’s AS in Dietetics and Nutrition Science offers students two options. One is for students who want to ultimately become an RDN and plan to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program after graduation. The other is for students who wish to work in the food service industry.

LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, Long Island City, NY

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Associate of Applied Science in Nutrition and Culinary Management, with two options:
      - Nutrition Option
      - Management Option

- Accredited by MSCHE, ACEND

- Approved by National Restaurant Association Solutions

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $5218
  - - Out-of-stat: $8098

- Contact: Health Sciences Dept at (718) 482-5774/5470 or [email protected]

CUNY’s La Guardia Community College offers two options in its AAS in Nutrition and Culinary Management. One emphasizes the nutrition care process, while the other focuses on culinary management, with coursework in business, planning and customer service.

FINGER LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Canandaigua, NY

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

- Accredited by MSCHE

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $5914
  - - Out-of-state: $6946

- Contact: Professor Izy Grooms at (585) 785-1563 or [email protected]

Finger Lakes Community College offers classes in its AS in Nutrition and Dietetics program both in-person and online, for greater flexibility. Students have the option of entering the workforce after graduation or transferring to a four-year program, and then ultimately to a master’s degree program to become an RDN.

MOHAWK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Utica, NY

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Associate of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

- Accredited by MSCHE

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $5776
  - - Out-of-state: $8211

- Contact: Shannon Croker, Assistant Professor at (315) 731-5843 or [email protected]

Many students in MVCC’s AS in Nutrition and Dietetics Program plan to transfer to a four-year university upon graduation. Transfer agreements are in place with Buffalo State, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Plattsburgh, and Utica University.

North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY, Durham, NC

- Degrees Offered:
  - - DPD program in our BS in Nutrition and Dietetics
    - Future Education Model Graduate Program

- Accredited – This program is fully accredited through June 2026 by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

- Total two-year program tuition and fees based on 2022–2023 for in-state residents of North Carolina are estimated at $9,516.96 (Year 1 = $5,189.16, Year 2 = $4,327.80)
- Out-of-state residents are estimated at $33,914.77 (Year 1 = $18,497.05, Year 2 = $15,417,72).
Contact: Dent Human Sciences Building, Room 102

[email protected]

Nutrition and Dietetics is an online, undergraduate degree designed to give students an instructional foundation in foods, nutrition and dietetics as well as prepare graduates for entry-level positions in nutrition, food service management and other related fields.

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY, Cullowhee, NC

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

- Accredited by SACSCOC, ACEND

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $4453
  - - Out-of-state: $8453

- Contact: Becky Holmes, DPD Program Director at (828) 227-7113 or [email protected]

WCU’s affordable BS in Nutrition Dietetics is an approved Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) by ACEND. It is the first step towards becoming an RDN, and can lead to enrollment in the school’s Master of Health Science Nutrition program which includes a dietetic internship (DI).

Ohio

CINCINNATI STATE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Cincinnati, OH

- Degrees and Certificates:
  - Associate of Science in Pre-Nutrition Science
  - Associate of Applied Science in Dietetic Technology
  - - Dietary Management Certificate

- Accredited by HLC, ACEND

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $5274
  - - Out-of-state: $9558

- Contact: Candice Jones, M.Ed., RD, LD, CDCES, FAND at (513) 569-1479 or [email protected]

Students who choose Cincinnati State Technical & Community College have many options. You may choose to earn an AS in Pre-Nutrition Science and transfer to a four-year university. You may get an AAS in Dietetic Technology then sit for the CDR’s NDTR exam. Or, you may earn a Dietary Management Certificate then sit for the CDM, CFPP exam.

CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT, Cleveland, OH

- Degrees and Certificates:
  - Associate of Applied Science in Dietetic Technology
  - Certificate of Proficiency in General Nutrition
  - - Certificate of Proficiency in Dietary Management

- Accredited by HLC, ACEND

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-district: $3736
  - In-state: $4622
  - - Out-of-state: $8736

- Contact: Judith Kaplan, MS, RD, LD at (216) 987-4613 or [email protected]

Otherwise known as Tri-C, Cuyahoga Community College offers an AAS in Dietetic Technology that prepares graduates to sit for the CDR’s NDTR exam. They also offer a certificate in Dietary Management that prepares graduates to take the CDM, CFPP examination.

SINCLAIR COLLEGE, Dayton, OH

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Applied Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Technician
  - Technical Certificate in Dietary Manager
  - - Technical Certificate in Sports Nutrition Specialist

- Accredited by HLC, ACEND

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-district: $3435
  - In-state: $4569
  - - Out-of-state: $8316

- Contact: David Clark, Chairperson at (937) 512-2546

Sinclair College’s offerings in nutrition include an AAS in Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, which allows graduates to sit for the CDR’s NDTR exam; a certificate in Dietary Manager, which allows graduates to sit for the CDM, CFPP exam; and a Sports Nutrition Specialist certificate, which renders students eligible to go on to receive a personal trainer credential.

STARK STATE COLLEGE, North Canton, OH

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Science in Dietetic Technician
  - - Certificate in Dietary Manager

- Accredited by HLC, ACEND

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $4548
  - - Out-of-state: $7644

- Contact: Michele Igleheart, Program Coordinator at (330) 494-6170 x5767 or [email protected]

Stark State’s two nutrition options include an AS in Dietetic Technician, preparing students to take the CDR’s NDTR exam; and the certificate in Dietary Manager, preparing students to take the CDM, CFPP examination.

Pennsylvania

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pittsburgh, PA

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Science in Dietetic Technician
  - - Certificate in Dietary Manager

- Accredited by MSCHE, ACEND

- Approved by ANFP, CBM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-district: $4722
  - In-state: $8563
  - - Out-of-state: $12,223

- Contact: Miriam Wilson, MS, RD, LDN at [email protected] or (412) 237-2640

CCAC’s AS in Dietetic Technician program is ACEND-accredited and leads to eligibility to take the CDR’s NDTR exam. The certificate in Dietary Manager program is ANFP approved and leads to eligibility to take the CDM, CFPP exam.

Tennessee

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY, Johnson City, TN

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Nutrition and Dietetics Concentration

- Accredited by SACSCOC, ACEND

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $9674
  - - Out-of-state: $13,484

- Contact: Whitney Bignell, PhD, RD, LDN at [email protected]

ETSU’s BS in Nutrition, Nutrition and Dietetics Concentration is a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) leading to ultimate eligibility to take the RDN exam. Completion of this program will render students eligible to complete a Dietetic Internship.

TENNESSEE COLLEGE OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY, Elizabethton, TN

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - - Certificate in Dietary Manager

- Accredited by COE

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - - $2738.38

- Contact: Phyllis Ensor, Instructor at (423) 543-0070 or [email protected]

TCAT’s Certificate in Dietary Manager is offered entirely online. It takes students eight months to complete this certificate program, and 864 clock hours of education. Graduates are ready to take the CDM, CFPP credentialing exam.

Texas

TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE, Fort Worth, TX

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Applied Science in Dietetic Technician
  - Level 1 Certificate in Dietary Manager
  - Level 1 Certificate in Nutrition Specialist I
  - - Level 2 Certificate in Food & Nutrition Coach

- Accredited by SACSCOC, ACEND

- Approved by ANFP, CBDM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-district: $1728
  - In-state: $3402
  - - Out-of-state: $8235

- Contact: Christina Liew-Newville, Ed.D, RD, LD, Dietetics Program Coordinator, Dietetic Technician Program Director at [email protected]

TCCD offers a variety of degrees and certificates that are nutrition related. The AAS in Dietetic Technician prepares students to take the CDR’s NDTR exam. The certificate in Dietary Manager prepares students to take the CDM, CFPP exam. The Nutrition Specialist certificate can be applied to a Dietetic Technician program or used to enter the nutrition field right away. The Food & Nutrition Coach certificate can also be used towards the Dietetic Technician program or to enter the field upon graduation.

Utah

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY, Provo, UT

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Bachelor of Science, Didactic Program in Dietetics
  - Bachelor of Science in Food Science
  - - Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science

- Accredited by NWCCU, ACEND

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - - $6304

- Contact: Sarah G. Bellini, PhD, RDN, CD at [email protected] or (801) 422-0015

Brigham Young University’s undergraduate programs in dietetics, food science and nutritional science are among some of the most affordable programs offered in the nation. Courses are presented in an in-person format, and students may use the university’s many laboratories for research opportunities. Students who graduate with the BS, DPD may elect to go on to complete an internship and ultimately become an RDN, or may opt instead to take the CDR’s NDTR exam.

Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE, Milwaukee, WI

- Degrees and Certificates Offered:
  - Associate of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Technician
  - Associate of Science in Community Health and Nutrition Navigator
  - - Certificate in Dietary Manager

- Accredited by HLC, ACEND

- Approved by ANFP, CBM

- 2022-23 tuition/fees per academic year:
  - In-state: $4867
  - - Out-of-state: $7018

- Contact: Healthcare Academic & Career Pathway at (414) 297-6263, (262) 238-2281 or [email protected]

MATC’s AS in Nutrition and Dietetic Technician will prepare you to take the CDR’s NDTR examination. If you choose to earn the Dietary Manager certificate, you can take the CDM, CFPP examination upon graduation. The other AS they offer in Community Health and Nutrition Navigator is an intriguing public health degree that can lead to immediate employment.

Education Resources

Career Resources

Recent Posts

Top 40 Most Affordable Nutrition Related Programs