2026 Best Value Dietetics/Dietitian Schools in North Carolina

1

Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

Our analysis ranked Western Carolina University the best value for a degree in dietetics/dietitian in North Carolina. Set in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Students borrow a median of $24,905 to complete the dietetics/dietitian program here. Dietetics/dietitian graduates of Western Carolina University earn a median of $17,970 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.

2

North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC

A rank of #2 makes North Carolina Central University one of the best values for dietetics/dietitian. Set in the city of Durham, North Carolina Central University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,699, compared with $19,735 for out-of-state students. Dietetics/dietitian graduates carry a median of $31,173 in student loans. Dietetics/dietitian graduates of North Carolina Central University earn a median of $42,873 early in their careers. Set against $31,173 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.

3

Appalachian State University
Boone, NC

A rank of #3 makes Appalachian State University one of the best values for dietetics/dietitian. Set in the town of Boone, Appalachian State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,579 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,212 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for dietetics/dietitian graduates is $25,025. Dietetics/dietitian graduates of Appalachian State University earn a median of $39,804 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

4

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

East Carolina University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in dietetics/dietitian, landing the #4 spot this year. East Carolina University is a very large public school located in the city of Greenville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete the dietetics/dietitian program here. Early-career dietetics/dietitian graduates make about $20,900. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

5

Meredith College
Raleigh, NC

Students looking for strong value in dietetics/dietitian will find it at Meredith College, which ranked #5. Meredith College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Raleigh. In-state tuition and fees average $45,630. Dietetics/dietitian graduates carry a median of $26,618 in student loans. Dietetics/dietitian graduates of Meredith College earn a median of $43,620 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Meredith College admits about 74% of applicants.

6

Lenoir Rhyne University
Hickory, NC

Lenoir Rhyne University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value dietetics/dietitian schools. Set in the city of Hickory, Lenoir Rhyne University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,900. Typical student debt for dietetics/dietitian graduates is $26,900. Dietetics/dietitian graduates of Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of $49,985 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,900 median debt. Lenoir Rhyne University admits about 85% of applicants.