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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Food, Nutrition & Related Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools

37 Colleges in the United States
$24,120 Avg Student Debt
$56,536 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Food, Nutrition & Related Services Bachelor's Degree Badge [Food, Nutrition & Related Services](/majors/family-consumer-human-sciences/food-nutrition-services/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 272 schools to find the best return on investment for food, nutrition & related services students.

What’s on this page:

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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the food, nutrition & related services degrees they offer, see the list below.

1
Cuny Hunter College crest
Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

Our analysis ranked Cuny Hunter College the best value for a degree in food, nutrition & related services in the United States. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,382 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,091 to complete the food, nutrition & related services program here. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates of Cuny Hunter College earn a median of $39,756 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas Womans University earned it the #2 place for food, nutrition & related services. Set in the city of Denton, Texas Womans University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,104 to complete the food, nutrition & related services program here. Early-career food, nutrition & related services graduates make about $46,399. Set against $14,104 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants.

3

Eastern Kentucky University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in food, nutrition & related services, landing the #3 spot this year. Eastern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the town of Richmond. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,122 to complete the food, nutrition & related services program here. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates of Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of $43,891 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,122 median debt. Eastern Kentucky University admits about 78% of applicants.

4

Students looking for strong value in food, nutrition & related services will find it at Weber State University, which ranked #4. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,176 to complete the food, nutrition & related services program here. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates of Weber State University earn a median of $28,714 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Southern Utah University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in food, nutrition & related services, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,962, with out-of-state students paying around $21,192. Typical student debt for food, nutrition & related services graduates is $15,050. Soon after graduation, food, nutrition & related services degree recipients from Southern Utah University generally make around $20,693. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.

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6

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #6 for value in food, nutrition & related services this year. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete the food, nutrition & related services program here. Soon after graduation, food, nutrition & related services degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $23,633. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants.

7
Lamar University crest
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX

Lamar University placed #7 among the best values for food, nutrition & related services. Set in the city of Beaumont, Lamar University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,905, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates carry a median of $21,482 in student loans. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates of Lamar University earn a median of $52,678 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

8
Lincoln University Missouri crest
Lincoln University Missouri
Jefferson City, MO

Lincoln University Missouri came in at #8 for value in food, nutrition & related services this year. Lincoln University Missouri is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Jefferson City. In-state tuition and fees average $9,796, with out-of-state students paying around $17,692. Students borrow a median of $32,831 to complete the food, nutrition & related services program here. Soon after graduation, food, nutrition & related services degree recipients from Lincoln University Missouri generally make around $37,449. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

Arizona State University placed #9 among the best values for food, nutrition & related services. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for food, nutrition & related services graduates is $25,000. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $34,467 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

10

University Of Houston earned the #10 position for value in food, nutrition & related services this year. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical student debt for food, nutrition & related services graduates is $19,700. Soon after graduation, food, nutrition & related services degree recipients from University Of Houston generally make around $27,648. Set against $19,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants.

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Middle Tennessee State University earned the #11 position for value in food, nutrition & related services this year. Set in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates carry a median of $25,853 in student loans. Early-career food, nutrition & related services graduates make about $30,835. That is a strong return on a $25,853 median debt. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants.

12

Wayne State University placed #12 among the best values for food, nutrition & related services. Wayne State University is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. Students from in state pay about $16,159 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete the food, nutrition & related services program here. Soon after graduation, food, nutrition & related services degree recipients from Wayne State University generally make around $34,303. That is a strong return on a $22,750 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

13

Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #13 for value in food, nutrition & related services this year. Set in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for food, nutrition & related services graduates is $19,584. Soon after graduation, food, nutrition & related services degree recipients from Oklahoma State University Main Campus generally make around $25,076. That is a strong return on a $19,584 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

14

Morgan State University earned the #14 position for value in food, nutrition & related services this year. Morgan State University is a large public school located in the city of Baltimore. In-state tuition and fees average $8,229, while out-of-state students pay about $19,124. Students borrow a median of $34,537 to complete the food, nutrition & related services program here. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates of Morgan State University earn a median of $49,736 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $34,537 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

15

Texas State University San Marcos placed #15 among the best values for food, nutrition & related services. Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public school located in the city of San Marcos. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates carry a median of $23,354 in student loans. Soon after graduation, food, nutrition & related services degree recipients from Texas State University San Marcos generally make around $36,601. Set against $23,354 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

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Sam Houston State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value food, nutrition & related services schools. Set in the town of Huntsville, Sam Houston State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,850 to complete the food, nutrition & related services program here. Soon after graduation, food, nutrition & related services degree recipients from Sam Houston State University generally make around $46,365. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

17

Framingham State University placed #17 among the best values for food, nutrition & related services. Located in the city of Framingham, Framingham State University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,920, while out-of-state students pay about $18,000. Students borrow a median of $26,674 to complete the food, nutrition & related services program here. Early-career food, nutrition & related services graduates make about $41,932. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.

18

University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #18 spot for food, nutrition & related services value this year. Located in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates carry a median of $25,256 in student loans. Soon after graduation, food, nutrition & related services degree recipients from University Of Nebraska Lincoln generally make around $33,728. That is a strong return on a $25,256 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

19
Winthrop University crest
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC

Winthrop University landed the #19 spot for food, nutrition & related services value this year. Winthrop University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Rock Hill. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,678, while out-of-state students pay about $28,676. Typical student debt for food, nutrition & related services graduates is $27,000. Early-career food, nutrition & related services graduates make about $39,378. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Winthrop University admits about 79% of applicants.

20
University Of Arkansas crest
University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas came in at #20 for value in food, nutrition & related services this year. Located in the city of Fayetteville, University Of Arkansas is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for food, nutrition & related services graduates is $24,400. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates of University Of Arkansas earn a median of $31,986 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,400 median debt. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants.

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21

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #21 among the best values for food, nutrition & related services. Set in the town of Indiana, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the food, nutrition & related services program here. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates of Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus earn a median of $23,996 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

22

University Of New Mexico Main Campus came in at #22 for value in food, nutrition & related services this year. Set in the city of Albuquerque, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,140 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. Typical student debt for food, nutrition & related services graduates is $24,000. Early-career food, nutrition & related services graduates make about $27,978. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Mexico Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants.

23

Ohio State University Main Campus came in at #23 for value in food, nutrition & related services this year. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates carry a median of $26,654 in student loans. Soon after graduation, food, nutrition & related services degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $34,540. Set against $26,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

24

Montana State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value food, nutrition & related services schools. Located in the city of Bozeman, Montana State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,460 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,287. Students borrow a median of $23,635 to complete the food, nutrition & related services program here. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates of Montana State University earn a median of $47,703 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,635 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

25
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University landed the #25 spot for food, nutrition & related services value this year. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,966 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete the food, nutrition & related services program here. Food, Nutrition & Related Services graduates of James Madison University earn a median of $24,860 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in food, nutrition & related services:

26
27
28
Waldorf College crest
Waldorf College
Forest City, IA
29
30
31
Cedar Crest College crest
Cedar Crest College
Allentown, PA
32
33
Samford University crest
Samford University
Birmingham, AL
34
Nova Southeastern University crest
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
35
36
37
Syracuse University crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
38

Explore the best-value food, nutrition & related services schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Food, Nutrition & Related Services
Associate's Degrees in Food, Nutrition & Related Services
Master's Degrees in Food, Nutrition & Related Services
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View All Food, Nutrition & Related Services Rankings >

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 272 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 37 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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