The 9 Best Colleges For Nutrition

September 10, 2024
Contents

”Akhil

Reviewed by:

Akhil Katakam

Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Reviewed: 10/17/23

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. 

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Top 9 Nutrition Colleges

Here is an extensive list and overview of the top nutrition schools in the country.

New York University

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. 

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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.

The University of California – Davis

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. 

The University of Texas at Austin

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: 

  1. Dietetics
  2. Nutritional Sciences
  3. Nutrition and Public Health
  4. Nutrition Honors
  5. Honors in Advanced Nutritional Sciences
  6. International Nutrition

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:

  • Molecular and cellular aspects of nutrient function
  • Molecular and cellular approaches to the study of nutrition and disease
  • Nutritional biochemistry

The Ph.D. program is structured to prepare students for research, teaching, and administrative positions in educational institutions and government. 

University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign

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. 

Case Western Reserve University

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:

  • Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition: This program prepares students for further training/graduate studies in nutrition, dietetics, public health, medicine, and nursing.
  • Bachelor of Art in Human Nutrition: This program differs from the BS in Nutrition because it doesn't require Principles of Chemistry Laboratory or Statistics. Other than that, both programs are very similar.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism: This program focuses on nutrients and metabolic functions. You can also combine this program with majors like Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, or Sociology.
  • Master of Science in Nutrition: This program can be completed in one to two years. An undergraduate degree in nutrition isn't necessary to apply.
  • Ph.D. in Nutrition: Students work with a research advisor and mentor with an NIH-funded research program. Students gain knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, and metabolism.

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.

The Ohio State University

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. 

Syracuse University

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. 

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities 

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

Best Nutrition Colleges: FAQs

Still have questions about the top colleges for nutrition? Check out these FAQs! 

1. What College Has the Best Nutrition Program?

According to U.S. News, the best college for a nutrition major is New York University. Schools that also make this list include:

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • University of California-Davis
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign

2. Is Nutrition a Hard Major?

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! 

3. What Major Is Best for Nutrition? 

There are many excellent majors for those interested in nutrition, including: 

  • Nutrition
  • Food Science 
  • Dietetics

Although you can also pursue Chemistry/Biology/Biochemistry, these three majors focus more on food, health, and nutrition. 

4. Where Is the Best Place to Study Nutrition and Dietetics? 

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. 

5. What Are the Best Colleges for Nutrition in New York? 

The best schools for nutrition in New York are NYU and Syracuse University. 

Final Thoughts

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! 

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