Dietetics & Nutrition graduates earn $55,753 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,535 and $68,442. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
Dietetics & Nutrition is a focused area of study within Health. Graduates typically earn around $55,753 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 270 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 5,644 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$33,319
Median Earnings · 4yr
$55,753
Colleges Offering
270
Graduates / Year
5,644
Avg Net Price / yr
$16,580
How Much Do Dietetics & Nutrition Graduates Earn?
Dietetics & Nutrition graduates earn $55,753 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,535 and $68,442. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $33,319 climbs to $55,753 by year four.
$33,319
1 Year After Graduation
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$55,753
4-Year National Median
Near the national median for college graduates.
$55,804
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Dietetics & Nutrition graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.
$40,53525th pct.
$55,753Median
$68,44275th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $55,753 and an estimated $66,320 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.6 years.
Based on outcomes from 157 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 5,644 students who complete Dietetics & Nutrition programs each year, the majority (48%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
48%37%
Bachelor's48%
Master's37%
Post-Bacc Cert.9%
What Can You Do With a Dietetics & Nutrition Degree?
Dietetics & Nutrition connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Dietitian leads at $76,400/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
SpeakingJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessReading Comprehension
Day-to-day responsibilities
Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
Assess nutritional needs, diet restrictions, and current health plans to develop and implement dietary-care plans and provide nutritional counseling.
Evaluate laboratory tests in preparing nutrition recommendations.
Counsel individuals and groups on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and nutrition monitoring to improve their quality of life.
Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. May plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.
Observe and monitor patient food intake and body weight, and report changes, progress, and dietary problems to dietician.
Conduct nutritional assessments of individuals, including obtaining and evaluating individuals' dietary histories, to plan nutritional programs.
Prepare a major meal, following recipes and determining group food quantities.
Top Colleges for Dietetics & Nutrition
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Dietetics & Nutrition students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Dietetics & Nutrition program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
The data on Dietetics & Nutrition shows 4 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.
PROS
Above-average earningsFour-year median of $55,753 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $33,319 at graduation to $55,753 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Positive job outlookRelated careers project up to +5.5% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 10,200 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMost roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Dietetics & Nutrition graduates earn a national median of $55,753 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,535 and $68,442. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Dietetics & Nutrition degree?
One year after graduation, Dietetics & Nutrition degree holders earn a median of $33,319. That climbs to $55,753 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Dietetics & Nutrition degree?
Dietetics & Nutrition degree holders pursue careers including Dietitian, which pays a median of $76,400/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Dietetics & Nutrition program take?
A Dietetics & Nutrition bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Dietetics & Nutrition?
270 colleges and universities in the United States offer Dietetics & Nutrition programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Dietetics & Nutrition degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $55,753 and an average net price of roughly $16,580/yr, a Dietetics & Nutrition degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Dietetics & Nutrition and Health?
Dietetics & Nutrition is a focused concentration within the broader Health field. The Health major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Dietetics & Nutrition-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Dietetics & Nutrition graduates?
Employers hiring Dietetics & Nutrition graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.
Is graduate school worth it for Dietetics & Nutrition graduates?
In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Dietetics & Nutrition graduates?
The job outlook for Dietetics & Nutrition graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +4.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Dietitian is among the strongest-growth roles at +5.5%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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