Are you planning to study food sciences and looking for the best colleges for nutrition? Below, we’ll be going over the best nutrition colleges in the country.
Nutrition is a big part of our lives; it keeps our minds and bodies going. Understanding nutrition is crucial to better understanding diseases and finding preventative measures.
If you’re reading this, you’re most likely looking to enter the nutrition field! To help guide you, we’ll review the top schools for nutrition and dietetics in the U.S. and what each offers.
Here is an extensive list and overview of the top nutrition schools in the country.
Ranking: #35 in National Universities
Location: New York City, New York
Acceptance rate: 12%
SAT range: 1470-1570
ACT range: 32-35
Tuition: $67,804
As far as schools with nutrition majors go, New York University offers many programs, including:
An internship is available to students enrolled in the Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition program.
Ranking: #22 in National Universities
Location: Capital Hill, North Carolina
Acceptance rate: 17%
SAT range: 1350-1530
ACT range: 29-33
In-state tuition: $8.994
Out-of-state tuition: $37,360
The University of North Carolina offers a bachelor of science in public health in nutrition. UNC's Department of Nutrition is one of the country’s top-ranked nutrition departments, making it one of the best colleges for nutrition. The program focuses on the science of nutrition in health and disease on a public health level.
The school also offers a dual degree program where students can earn their Master's within one year after completing their bachelor of science in public health.
UNC also has a Master of Public Health program where students can concentrate on nutrition, dietetics, or nutrition alone. Both programs focus on the science behind nutrition and public health.
Ranking: #28 in National Universities
Location: Davis, California
Acceptance rate: 37%
SAT range: 1230-1490
ACT range: 24- 31
In-state tuition: $15,226
Out-of-state tuition: $44,494
The University of California – Davis offers two majors in nutrition. The Clinical Nutrition program teaches students about the sciences of nutrition and food service management, education, and sociology.
The Nutrition Science program focuses on nutrition. Key study areas include the impact of diet on health and disease, nutrition-related policy, and public health issues.
Ranking: #32 in National Universities
Location: Austin, Texas
Acceptance rate: 31%
SAT range: 1230-1500
ACT range: 29-34
In-state tuition: $11,698
Out-of-state tuition: $41,070
The University of Texas at Austin offers students a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. The program looks at how nutrition links to health, behavior, population, culture, and economics. Among the top schools with nutrition majors, the University of Texas offers an excellent array of diverse options to study:
The University of Texas also offers a Master of Science and a Ph.D. The master's program focuses on areas of study such as:
The Ph.D. program is structured to prepare students for research, teaching, and administrative positions in educational institutions and government.
Ranking: #35 in National Universities
Location: Champaign, Illinois
Acceptance rate: 45%
SAT range: 1340-1530
ACT range: 29-34
In-state tuition: $17,572
Out-of-state tuition: $36,068
The University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign only offers graduate degrees in nutrition. The graduate program includes:
Although the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign doesn't offer any undergraduate program in nutrition, its graduate degree programs are outstanding.
Ranking: #53 in National Universities
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Acceptance rate: 27%
SAT range: 1410-1540
ACT range: 32-35
Tuition: $62,234
Case Western Reserve University offers many programs in nutrition:
Case Western Reserve University offers an extensive list of programs in nutrition where students can acquire the hands-on and technical skills needed to succeed.
Ranking: #43 in National Universities
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Acceptance rate: 53%
SAT range: 1310-1480
ACT range: 29-32
In-state tuition: $12,485
Out-of-state tuition: $36,772
The Ohio State University offers two master’s programs in nutrition and a dietetic internship program. The Master of Science program in human nutrition allows students to research present-day nutritional health problems in individuals and populations.
The Master of Dietetics and Nutrition is for students who want to pursue a registered dietitian graduate program. The curriculum focuses on the science behind nutrition. The Dietetic Internship prepares students for a career in nutrition by giving them the hands-on and technical skills needed to succeed in their careers.
Ranking: #67 in National Universities
Location: Syracuse, New York
Acceptance rate: 52%
SAT range: 1260-1430
ACT range: 28-32
Tuition: $63,061
Syracuse University offers both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nutrition. The university offered its first nutrition courses in 1917. With over 100 years of providing students with nutrition classes, Syracuse is an excellent nutritionist school.
Syracuse University offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Nutrition and Nutrition Science. Both programs offer students a detailed oversight of knowledge in nutrition. Students can use both degrees to become certified dieticians.
The university also offers Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees in Nutrition Science. Both programs prepare students for future nutrition careers.
Ranking: #53 in National Universities
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Acceptance rate: 75%
SAT range: 1290-1500
ACT range: 27-32
In-state tuition: $16,488
Out-of-state tuition: $36,402
The University of Minnesota offers a Nutrition major to undergraduate students. The major has three tracks:
Graduate students can also pursue a degree in nutrition.
Still have questions about the top colleges for nutrition? Check out these FAQs!
According to U.S. News, the best college for a nutrition major is New York University. Schools that also make this list include:
A nutrition major is heavily focused on science courses; if you’re not the best at science, you may find a nutrition major challenging. If you want to do well in your nutrition major, you must study and keep up with your classes. With effort and time, you can see fantastic results!
There are many excellent majors for those interested in nutrition, including:
Although you can also pursue Chemistry/Biology/Biochemistry, these three majors focus more on food, health, and nutrition.
While NYU takes the top spot on our list, any college offering a nutrition track may be an excellent option for you, depending on your needs and preferences.
The best schools for nutrition in New York are NYU and Syracuse University.
If a career in nutrition is something you're passionate about, colleges with good nutrition programs make excellent options. Before building your school list, ensure you evaluate your needs and preferences to find a great fit. Good luck!