Best Dietetics Programs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dietitians and nutritionists can anticipate their field to grow by as much as 11% between 2020-2030 — this translates to nearly 8,000 additional jobs. But to enter this field, individuals must secure a bachelor’s in dietetics and complete the necessary requirements to earn professional certification.
While the true cost of college is often expensive, some of the best schools are relatively affordable options for in-state learners. Students can also cut costs by enrolling in online courses, earning scholarships, and completing general education requirements at less expensive community colleges. This page highlights the best dietetics programs that can help you jumpstart your career.
Dietetics exists at the intersection of nutrition, science, and healthcare and is an allied health profession that is growing quickly. Students pursuing a bachelor’s in dietetics utilize their skills to improve the health of their clients. In these programs, learners tackle science and nutrition-based coursework and typically graduate in about four years. In June 2022, dieticians earned about $56,050 per year, according to Payscale.
Keep reading to learn more about this growing field. Discover which schools can help you jumpstart a career helping people live healthier and happier lives.
Our Top Pick
The University of Georgia – Athens, GA
Why It’s #1: The University of Georgia (UGA) stands out as the top school in our Best Dietetics Programs ranking. The dietetics program at UGA boasts a high graduation rate of 87%. The program is also competitive, only admitting 45% of applicants. For in-state students, UGA is a relatively affordable option, with annual tuition rates falling below $9,000. Additionally, UGA awards aid to 97% of degree-seekers.
Best Accredited Bachelor’s in Dietetics Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
- In-State$9,790
- Out-of-state$28,830
- In-State$8,878
- Out-of-state$25,186
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled38,920
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate39%
- Students Enrolled38,674
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- In-State$9,208
- Out-of-state$28,010
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled45,500
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$6,930
- Out-of-state$14,880
- In-State$11,090
- Out-of-state$20,520
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled19,923
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment3%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$20,010
- Out-of-state$20,010
- In-State$13,372
- Out-of-state$13,372
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled4,879
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,711
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled28,058
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$44,700
- Out-of-state$44,700
- In-State$20,880
- Out-of-state$20,880
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled12,799
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$13,798
- Out-of-state$36,466
- In-State$16,300
- Out-of-state$38,212
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled27,280
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$15,555
- Out-of-state$40,384
- In-State$18,858
- Out-of-state$37,056
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled49,809
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How We Rank Schools
Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Bachelor’s in Dietetics ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 114 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.
- Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
- Must offer a bachelor’s degree program in the given subject.
- Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.
To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).
The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.
BestColleges’ Ranking Factors
Frequently Asked Questions About Dietetics Programs
Is a bachelor’s in dietetics worth it?
Students interested in pursuing a career in nutrition and dietetics will likely find that the academic and professional training they receive is worth it. Not only does a bachelor’s in dietetics prepare students with essential academic knowledge, but it also requires significant hands-on training that can lead to professional certification.
Throughout these four-year programs, students gain foundational scientific knowledge while delving deep into nutrition and dietetics. These programs often prepare students for further academic pursuits, but graduates can enter the workforce tackling careers in diverse fields.
What can I do with a bachelor’s in dietetics?
Standout bachelor’s in dietetics programs prepare students with the skills and experiences they need to pursue professional certification. Professionals tackle roles in various fields and work in many settings, including healthcare facilities, academia, and corporations. Additionally, nutritionists can work in sports nutrition, clinical nutrition management, and community and public health.
In addition to securing professional certification and entering the workforce, many students use their bachelor’s in dietetics to pursue various graduate-level degrees.
What continuing education is available for dietetics graduates?
A significant list of continuing education options waits for individuals graduating with a bachelor’s in dietetics and nutrition. Whether they pursue careers in public health, medicine, or nutrition, the best dietetics programs provide students with the theoretical and practical skills they need to gain admission into various graduate programs.
Because dietetics and nutrition can relate to so many academic and professional fields, graduates have countless options. An MBA is a viable academic option for those who want to enter the business world. Additionally, a wide variety of health-related fields offer graduate-level educational opportunities.
How much money can I make with a bachelor’s in dietetics?
The earning potential for those graduating with a bachelor’s in dietetics can vary dramatically based on experience, responsibilities, and geographic location. That said, according to the BLS, the median annual income for dietitians and nutritionists was nearly $62,000 in May 2021. Additionally, the BLS projects a faster-than-average job growth rate of 11% between 2020-2030.
In addition to median earnings, the BLS notes that the top 10% of dietitians make more than $92,640.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor’s in dietetics?
While the BLS notes that the lowest 10% of dietitians earn less than $42,530 per year, the top 10% make more than double that — more than $93,640 per year. Top earners work in locations like outpatient care centers, and those who make the post typically take on leadership or supervisory roles.
In addition to the assumed pay raise that comes with experience, dietitians and nutritionists can enhance their earning potential through advanced degrees and various professional certifications.
Feature Image: blackCAT / E+ / Getty Images
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