by our College Data Analytics Team
[Nutrition Sciences](/majors/multi-interdisciplinary-studies/nutrition-science/nutrition-sciences/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value nutrition sciences schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in nutrition sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Dominican University, our #1 best value for nutrition sciences in Illinois. Located in the suburb of River Forest, Dominican University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $38,828. Students borrow a median of $26,236 to complete the nutrition sciences program here. Early-career nutrition sciences graduates make about $45,546. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value nutrition sciences schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $20,778 to complete the nutrition sciences program here. Nutrition Sciences graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $57,461 early in their careers. Set against $20,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in nutrition sciences will find it at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Nutrition Sciences graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, nutrition sciences degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Carbondale generally make around $46,566. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.