2026 Best Value Food & Nutrition Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Lincoln University Missouri
Jefferson City, MO

Our analysis ranked Lincoln University Missouri the best value for a degree in food & nutrition in the The Plains States Region. Lincoln University Missouri is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Jefferson City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,796, with out-of-state students paying around $17,692. Students borrow a median of $32,831 to complete the food & nutrition program here. Soon after graduation, food & nutrition degree recipients from Lincoln University Missouri generally make around $37,449. That is a strong return on a $32,831 median debt.

2

North Dakota State University Main Campus
Fargo, ND

A rank of #2 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values for food & nutrition. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the city of Fargo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Food & Nutrition graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. Soon after graduation, food & nutrition degree recipients from North Dakota State University Main Campus generally make around $60,498. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a great value for students pursuing a degree in food & nutrition, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public school located in the city of Lincoln. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Food & Nutrition graduates carry a median of $25,256 in student loans. Food & Nutrition graduates of University Of Nebraska Lincoln earn a median of $39,528 early in their careers. Set against $25,256 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

4

South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value food & nutrition schools. South Dakota State University is a large public school located in the town of Brookings. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Food & Nutrition graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. Food & Nutrition graduates of South Dakota State University earn a median of $51,260 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

5

Waldorf College
Forest City, IA

Waldorf College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value food & nutrition schools. Set in the rural area of Forest City, Waldorf College is a mid-sized private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,978. Students borrow a median of $24,622 to complete the food & nutrition program here. Early-career food & nutrition graduates make about $63,346. That is a strong return on a $24,622 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.