Maine Nutrition Programs & Online Degrees

Maine offers only two nutrition degree programs, making your decision straightforward but requiring careful consideration of your specific goals and financial situation. Take look at our analysis below.

2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Maine

If you're looking for the best nutrition degree programs in Maine, nutritiondegrees.org has done the hard work for you. We've ranked top schools based on factors like curriculum quality and career outcomes to help you make an informed choice. Our rankings are designed to guide students toward excellent education opportunities in the state. For details on how we create these rankings, check out our methodology at https://www.nutritiondegrees.org/about-us/#ranking.

#1

University of Maine

Orono, ME - Public 4-Year - umaine.edu

Bachelor's - Food Science and Human Nutrition

Concentration: Human Nutrition and Dietetics - Campus Based - Visit Website

The Human Nutrition and Dietetics concentration at the University of Maine is Maine's only accredited program preparing students to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. It features a rigorous science-based curriculum covering life cycle nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and strategies for chronic disease prevention and treatment. Emphasizing practical skills in counseling and diet therapy, this campus-based program requires an ACT or SAT for bachelor's admission and equips graduates for careers in clinical nutrition, wellness, research, and public health.

• Accredited Didactic Program in Nutrition
• Only accredited program in Maine
• Prepares for Registered Dietitian Certification
• Strong science-based curriculum
• Multiple career pathway options
• Comprehensive nutrition science training
• Medical nutrition therapy focus
• Life cycle nutrition courses
• Research and clinical skill development

#2

University of New England

Biddeford, ME - Private 4-year - une.edu

Bachelor's - B.S. with a major in Nutrition

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of New England's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition provides a robust foundation in nutrition science, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention. This 120-credit campus-based program includes hands-on laboratory courses and a community practicum for practical experience. Admission requires a strong background in science and mathematics, and it prepares graduates for careers in public health, nutrition education, or further graduate study. As a bachelor's program, entrance exams like the ACT or SAT may be required, but specific requirements should be verified with the university.

• Campus-based program.
• 120 total credits required.
• Includes community practicum.
• Hands-on laboratory courses.
• Prepares for graduate study.
• Strong science foundation needed.
• Focus on health promotion.
• Diverse career opportunities.
• Interprofessional education included.
• Ethics and professional behavior emphasized.

*Institutional data extracted from: IPEDS 2023, NCES.

What School Should You Choose?

Program Comparison

University of Maine (Orono)

Program: Food Science and Human Nutrition – Human Nutrition and Dietetics Type: Public University, Campus-based Cost: $10,100-$15,100 (in-state) | $28,300-$42,400 (out-of-state)

Strengths:

• Only ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Nutrition in Maine
• Direct pathway to Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) certification
• Comprehensive medical nutrition therapy training
• Strong science-based curriculum
• Significantly more affordable for Maine residents

Best For:

• Students committed to becoming RDNs
• Maine residents seeking affordable accredited education
• Those wanting comprehensive clinical nutrition training
• Students interested in medical nutrition therapy

University of New England (Biddeford)

Program: B.S. with a major in Nutrition Type: Private University, Campus-based Cost: $34,000-$51,100 (all students)

Strengths:

• 120-credit comprehensive program
• Community practicum opportunities
• Hands-on laboratory experiences
• Strong preparation for graduate studies
• Focus on health promotion and disease prevention
• Interprofessional education component

Best For:

• Students planning to pursue graduate school
• Those interested in public health and community nutrition
• Students who can afford private tuition
• Those wanting extensive hands-on laboratory experience

Decision Framework

Choose University of Maine if you:

• Want RDN Certification: Only accredited program in Maine
• Are a Maine Resident: Dramatically lower tuition ($10,100 vs $34,000+)
• Prefer Clinical Focus: Strong medical nutrition therapy emphasis
• Want Guaranteed Quality: Established accreditation and reputation
• Need Cost-Effectiveness: Best value for comprehensive training

Choose University of New England if you:

• Plan Graduate School: Strong preparation for advanced degrees
• Prefer Broader Health Focus: Emphasis on health promotion vs. clinical
• Want Private School Experience: Smaller classes, more individualized attention
• Value Community Engagement: Strong practicum and community-based learning
• Can Afford Premium Pricing: Comfortable with 2-3x higher tuition costs

Financial Reality Check

In-State Maine Students:

• UMaine: ~$12,600/year average
• UNE: ~$42,600/year average
• Difference: $30,000/year ($120,000 over four years)

Out-of-State Students:

• UMaine: ~$35,400/year average
• UNE: ~$42,600/year average
• Difference: $7,200/year ($28,800 over four years)

Career Outcome Considerations

RDN Pathway Requirements:

• UMaine: Direct pathway with accredited didactic program
• UNE: Requires additional steps – graduate school or separate internship program

Employment Prospects:

• Both programs prepare for nutrition careers
• UMaine graduates can immediately pursue RDN internships
• UNE graduates typically need additional education for RDN credential

Geographic and Practical Factors

Location Advantages:

• UMaine (Orono): Central Maine, traditional college town
• UNE (Biddeford): Southern Maine, closer to Boston/Portland metro areas

Program Size and Culture:

• UMaine: Larger public university environment
• UNE: Smaller private college atmosphere

Alternative Strategies

If Cost is Prohibitive:

• Start at Maine community college for prerequisites
• Consider University of Maine as transfer student
• Look at neighboring states’ public programs

If You Want More Options:

• Consider Vermont, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts programs
• Look into online accredited programs from other states
• Explore accelerated master’s programs in nearby states