Best Online Nutrition Degrees of 2025

If you want to enter the healthcare field without the burden of high tuition costs and lengthy degree programs, consider a career in nutrition. Nutritionists help people by providing advice on healthy eating habits and helping them make informed food choices.

Not only is this career incredibly impactful, but the field is also experiencing rapid growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for dietitians and nutritionists is expected to rise by 7% over the next eight years, while the national average for other professions sits at 4%.

Fortunately, there are many nutrition programs that can be completed online. These offer the same valuable experiences and knowledge as in-person programs while typically being more affordable and flexible.

So, if you’re interested in enrolling in an online nutrition degree, read on for our list of the best options available.

When you are looking for the best nutrition degree program for you, you’ll want to consider the overall cost and length of the program, what careers the degree will prepare you for, and if the program is accredited.

Katherine Tom, a private practice registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist, says you should also consider choosing a program that offers a supervised practice dietetic internship after graduation.

“Participating in these specific nutrition degree programs may positively influence your acceptance into [the dietetic internship], as they are highly competitive,” says Tom.

An online bachelor’s degree in nutrition typically costs between $5,929 to $9,752 if you live in the state where the program is offered. On the other hand, out-of-state students pay around $6,430 to $9,209.

However, keep in mind that the total amount you’ll ultimately pay depends on the program you enroll in and the state you live in.

Additionally, applying for financial aid can potentially lower the cost of your degree considerably. For example, in-state students might end up paying almost $4,000 less if they qualify for grants or scholarships.

It typically takes four years, or 120 credits, to complete a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. For example, Arizona State University’s bachelor of science in applied nutrition and health program requires 40 classes and 120 credits to complete.

However, online programs allow for more flexibility and can sometimes be completed quicker than in-person programs. You can also find accelerated programs, which could allow you to complete your bachelor’s in three years instead of four.

Programmatic accreditation is crucial. It ensures that a program meets established industry standards and teaches students knowledge and skills recognized by employers and other educational institutions.

Accreditation is also considered necessary to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). So, when you’re looking for a nutrition program, be sure to look for one accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

You can typically see if a program is accredited on its website.

With a nutrition degree, you can pursue a career as a sports nutritionist, clinical nutritionist, dietitian, and more. These careers involve teaching individuals about healthy diets and creating tailored nutrition plans to fit your clients or patients’ needs.

According to the BLS, dietitian and nutritionist jobs are projected to grow by 7% between 2023-2033, which is faster than the 4% national average growth rate.

To determine if getting a bachelor’s degree in nutrition is worth it, start by evaluating the return on investment. Compare the program’s cost and the time it would take for you to earn the projected annual salary of a dietitian, nutritionist, or similar.

Estimated tuition and fees for an online bachelor’s degree in nutrition can range from $9,209 to $9,752. And the median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists was $73,850 as of April 2024, according to the BLS.

Now, it typically takes four years to complete a nutritionist bachelor’s degree — and you can reduce that time frame if you enroll in an accelerated program or transfer credits.

However, note that you’ll also have to complete an internship before qualifying for a certification or license in any state. Nutrition internships can take between six to 24 months to complete, depending on whether the program is full- or part-time.

Beyond the cost and your potential earnings, earning a nutrition degree can be highly rewarding, especially if you’re interested in food education and helping others improve their well-being.

After earning your bachelor’s degree in nutrition, you can go on to obtain additional licenses or certifications. You could also consider getting a master’s degree.

A graduate degree in nutrition can be required to obtain certain credentials or qualify for high-level jobs. Popular professional credentials in the field include Registered Dietitian (RD), Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), or the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) designation.