by our College Data Analytics Team
[Dietetics/Dietitian](/majors/health-care-professions/dietetics-clinical-nutrition-services/dietetics-dietitian/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 17 schools to find the best return on investment for dietetics/dietitian students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in dietetics/dietitian, balancing cost against outcomes.
Sinclair Community College earned the #1 spot for value among dietetics/dietitian schools in Ohio. Set in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete the dietetics/dietitian program here. Early-career dietetics/dietitian graduates make about $35,348. That is a strong return on a $12,525 median debt.
Stark State College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in dietetics/dietitian, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of North Canton, Stark State College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,790, with out-of-state students paying around $7,886. Typical student debt for dietetics/dietitian graduates is $17,349. Dietetics/dietitian graduates of Stark State College earn a median of $42,724 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Ohio State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in dietetics/dietitian, landing the #3 spot this year. Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Columbus. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete the dietetics/dietitian program here. Early-career dietetics/dietitian graduates make about $58,088. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
Youngstown State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in dietetics/dietitian, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Youngstown, Youngstown State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for dietetics/dietitian graduates is $27,729. Soon after graduation, dietetics/dietitian degree recipients from Youngstown State University generally make around $29,065. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Ohio University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in dietetics/dietitian, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Students borrow a median of $24,546 to complete the dietetics/dietitian program here. Dietetics/dietitian graduates of Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of $49,736 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
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University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #6 spot for dietetics/dietitian value this year. Located in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the dietetics/dietitian program here. Soon after graduation, dietetics/dietitian degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Main Campus generally make around $48,483. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Dayton placed #7 among the best values for dietetics/dietitian. Located in the city of Dayton, University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. Dietetics/dietitian graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. Early-career dietetics/dietitian graduates make about $56,077. That is a strong return on a $25,033 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 17 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.