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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Food & Nutrition Schools

30 Colleges in the United States
1,817 Food & Nutrition Degrees Awarded
$42,524 Avg Early-Career Salary

Food & Nutrition is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 185 schools to find the best for food & nutrition students.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great Food & Nutrition School

Best Food & Nutrition Schools

The school you choose for food & nutrition can shape your career. That is why we built our Best Food & Nutrition Schools rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by degrees awarded at each level.

To find the best fit, you can narrow this list to a specific degree level below.

Food & Nutrition Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Food & Nutrition
Bachelor's Degrees in Food & Nutrition
Master's Degrees in Food & Nutrition
Doctoral Degrees in Food & Nutrition

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best Food & Nutrition Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.

Read more about College Factual’s methodology

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Best Schools for Food & Nutrition in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall food & nutrition education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Food & Nutrition

1
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY

Our analysis ranked New York University the best school in the country for a degree in food & nutrition. Located in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 64 food & nutrition degrees were awarded at New York University in the most recent year. Food & Nutrition graduates of New York University earn a median of $51,020 early in their careers. New York University graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. See the full food & nutrition program report for New York University

2

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best food & nutrition schools. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public school located in the city of Blacksburg. About 86% of students finish within six years. About 231 food & nutrition degrees were awarded at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, food & nutrition degree recipients from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University generally make around $25,414. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Get the full food & nutrition details for Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

3
Samford University crest
Samford University
Birmingham, AL

A rank of #3 makes Samford University one of the top schools for food & nutrition. Samford University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Birmingham. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. There were roughly 23 food & nutrition students who graduated with this degree at Samford University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the food & nutrition program make about $64,132 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,039 to complete this degree. See the full food & nutrition program report for Samford University

4

University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best food & nutrition schools. Located in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public university. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Nebraska Lincoln awarded about 168 food & nutrition degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the food & nutrition program make about $39,528 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,256. More information about a degree in food & nutrition from University Of Nebraska Lincoln

5
Lipscomb University crest
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN

A rank of #5 makes Lipscomb University one of the top schools for food & nutrition. Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. About 72% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 15 food & nutrition students who graduated with this degree at Lipscomb University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their food & nutrition degree from Lipscomb University earn around $48,949 in the first couple years of their career. Lipscomb University graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. More information about a degree in food & nutrition from Lipscomb University

6
Simmons College crest
Simmons College
Boston, MA

Simmons College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best food & nutrition schools. Simmons College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. Simmons College graduates 72% of students within six years. Simmons College awarded about 44 food & nutrition degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their food & nutrition degree from Simmons College earn around $64,455 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,740. See the full food & nutrition program report for Simmons College

7

Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best food & nutrition schools. This very large public university is located in the town of Stillwater. About 68% of students finish within six years. Oklahoma State University Main Campus awarded about 83 food & nutrition degrees in the most recent data year. Food & Nutrition graduates of Oklahoma State University Main Campus earn a median of $25,076 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $19,584. Read more about the food & nutrition program at Oklahoma State University Main Campus

8

University Of Mississippi Main Campus landed the #8 spot for food & nutrition this year. Set in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public institution. Roughly 72% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Mississippi Main Campus awarded about 14 food & nutrition degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the food & nutrition program make about $50,876 in their early career. University Of Mississippi Main Campus graduates carry a median of $22,444 in student loans. More information about a degree in food & nutrition from University Of Mississippi Main Campus

9

East Carolina University earned the #9 position for food & nutrition this year. Set in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public institution. About 63% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 14 food & nutrition students who graduated with this degree at East Carolina University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, food & nutrition degree recipients from East Carolina University generally make around $51,931. Typical student debt for the program is $24,747. More information about a degree in food & nutrition from East Carolina University

10

North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #10 among the best food & nutrition schools. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the city of Fargo. About 64% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 35 food & nutrition students who graduated with this degree at North Dakota State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, food & nutrition degree recipients from North Dakota State University Main Campus generally make around $60,498. Students borrow a median of $25,153 to complete this degree. Read more about the food & nutrition program at North Dakota State University Main Campus

11

Texas Womans University came in at #11 for food & nutrition this year. Located in the city of Denton, Texas Womans University is a large public university. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 53 food & nutrition degrees were awarded at Texas Womans University in the most recent year. Food & Nutrition graduates of Texas Womans University earn a median of $46,399 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $14,104 to complete this degree. Read more about the food & nutrition program at Texas Womans University

12
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best food & nutrition schools. James Madison University is a very large public school located in the city of Harrisonburg. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. James Madison University awarded about 20 food & nutrition degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, food & nutrition degree recipients from James Madison University generally make around $24,860. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in food & nutrition from James Madison University

13
Cuny Hunter College crest
Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

Cuny Hunter College landed the #13 spot for food & nutrition this year. This very large public university is located in the city of New York. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 39 food & nutrition degrees were awarded at Cuny Hunter College in the most recent year. Students who receive their food & nutrition degree from Cuny Hunter College earn around $39,756 in the first couple years of their career. Cuny Hunter College graduates carry a median of $11,091 in student loans. Get the full food & nutrition details for Cuny Hunter College

14
Syracuse University crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University landed the #14 spot for food & nutrition this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Syracuse. Syracuse University graduates 84% of students within six years. There were roughly 22 food & nutrition students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their food & nutrition degree from Syracuse University earn around $44,219 in the first couple years of their career. Syracuse University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in food & nutrition from Syracuse University

15

Montana State University came in at #15 for food & nutrition this year. Set in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public institution. Montana State University graduates 57% of students within six years. About 10 food & nutrition degrees were awarded at Montana State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, food & nutrition degree recipients from Montana State University generally make around $47,703. Typical student debt for the program is $23,635. See the full food & nutrition program report for Montana State University

16
University Of Arkansas crest
University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best food & nutrition schools. Set in the city of Fayetteville, University Of Arkansas is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. University Of Arkansas awarded about 53 food & nutrition degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their food & nutrition degree from University Of Arkansas earn around $31,986 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,400 to complete this degree. Read more about the food & nutrition program at University Of Arkansas

17

Framingham State University came in at #17 for food & nutrition this year. Set in the city of Framingham, Framingham State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. Framingham State University awarded about 41 food & nutrition degrees in the most recent data year. Food & Nutrition graduates of Framingham State University earn a median of $41,932 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,674 to complete this degree. Get the full food & nutrition details for Framingham State University

18

Texas State University San Marcos came in at #18 for food & nutrition this year. Set in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public institution. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 43 food & nutrition students who graduated with this degree at Texas State University San Marcos in the most recent data year. Graduates of the food & nutrition program make about $36,601 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,354 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in food & nutrition from Texas State University San Marcos

19

University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best food & nutrition schools. Set in the city of Hattiesburg, University Of Southern Mississippi is a large public institution. About 49% of students finish within six years. About 13 food & nutrition degrees were awarded at University Of Southern Mississippi in the most recent year. Students who receive their food & nutrition degree from University Of Southern Mississippi earn around $52,338 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Southern Mississippi graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. See the full food & nutrition program report for University Of Southern Mississippi

20

Arizona State University came in at #20 for food & nutrition this year. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. Arizona State University graduates 68% of students within six years. About 11 food & nutrition degrees were awarded at Arizona State University in the most recent year. Food & Nutrition graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $44,004 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. See the full food & nutrition program report for Arizona State University

21

Johnson And Wales University Providence earned the #21 position for food & nutrition this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Providence. The six-year graduation rate is 50%. Johnson And Wales University Providence awarded about 19 food & nutrition degrees in the most recent data year. Food & Nutrition graduates of Johnson And Wales University Providence earn a median of $32,586 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Get the full food & nutrition details for Johnson And Wales University Providence

22

Central New Mexico Community College placed #22 among the best food & nutrition schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Albuquerque. Central New Mexico Community College awarded about 11 food & nutrition degrees in the most recent data year. Food & Nutrition graduates of Central New Mexico Community College earn a median of $34,751 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $10,112. Read more about the food & nutrition program at Central New Mexico Community College

23

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill earned the #23 position for food & nutrition this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill awarded about 62 food & nutrition degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the food & nutrition program make about $23,633 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete this degree. Get the full food & nutrition details for University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

24

Wayne State University landed the #24 spot for food & nutrition this year. Wayne State University is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. About 68 food & nutrition degrees were awarded at Wayne State University in the most recent year. Food & Nutrition graduates of Wayne State University earn a median of $34,303 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete this degree. See the full food & nutrition program report for Wayne State University

25
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC

American University placed #25 among the best food & nutrition schools. American University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. American University graduates 76% of students within six years. About 36 food & nutrition degrees were awarded at American University in the most recent year. Graduates of the food & nutrition program make about $48,321 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $24,139 to complete this degree. Read more about the food & nutrition program at American University

Rest of the Top 46 Food & Nutrition Schools

These schools also placed among the best for food & nutrition this year:

26
27
Long Beach City College crest
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
28
29
30
Waldorf College crest
Waldorf College
Forest City, IA
31
Meredith College crest
Meredith College
Raleigh, NC
32
33
East Los Angeles College crest
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA
34
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
35
36
37
Allan Hancock College crest
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CA
38
39
Lincoln University Missouri crest
Lincoln University Missouri
Jefferson City, MO
40
41
42
43
Lamar University crest
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX
44
45
46

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Food & Nutrition by Region

Explore the best food & nutrition schools by region.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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View All Rankings >

Explore other rankings in majors related to Food & Nutrition. See all related rankings.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 185 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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