2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in the Baltimore Area
Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - morgan.edu
Bachelor's - Nutritional Sciences
Campus Based - Visit Website
Morgan State University's B.S. in Nutritional Sciences is an ACEND-accredited program with a 100% pass rate on the Registered Dietitian exam in 2023. It focuses on nutrient metabolism, medical nutrition therapy, and health promotion, preparing students for dietetic internships and the RDN credential. Emphasizing diversity and support for under-represented minorities, this campus-based program requires the ACT or SAT for admission, aligning with the demand for diverse health professionals in entry-level roles or further study.
- ACEND accredited program.
- 100% RD exam pass rate.
- B.S. in Nutritional Sciences.
- Prepares for RDN credential.
- Focus on diversity.
- Campus-based learning.
- Expertise in nutrient metabolism.
- Medical nutrition therapy focus.
- Health promotion emphasis.
- Eligible for dietetic internships.
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MD - Public 2-Year - aacc.edu
Associate - Nutrition, Arts and Sciences Transfer
Campus Based - Visit Website
Anne Arundel Community College offers an Associate of Science in Nutrition, Arts and Sciences Transfer, ideal for students planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in nutrition or dietetics. This program provides a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and health sciences, with affordable in-county tuition rates. It prepares graduates for transfer to institutions like the University of Maryland and Howard University, leading to careers as registered dietitians with average salaries exceeding $56,000. No entrance exam is required for this associate-level program, and there's no separate application needed for Health Sciences.
- Associate of Science degree
- Transfer to four-year institutions
- Foundation in biology and chemistry
- Affordable in-county rate
- No separate Health Sciences application
- Prepares for dietetics careers
- Average salary over $56,000
- Transfer options to top universities
- Focus on health and wellness
- Curriculum meets transfer goals
2026 Most Affordable Nutrition Programs in the Baltimore Area
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Morgan State University |
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| Anne Arundel Community College |
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Choosing the Right School Program for You
Anne Arundel Community College vs Morgan State
When selecting a nutrition program in the Baltimore area, two standout institutions offer distinctly different pathways to success in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Both Morgan State University and Anne Arundel Community College provide excellent educational opportunities, but they serve different student needs and career timelines. Here’s a comprehensive analysis to help you make the best choice for your educational and professional goals.
Program Overview Comparison
Morgan State University offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences, designed as a complete four-year degree program that directly prepares students for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. As a historically black college and university (HBCU), Morgan State emphasizes diversity and provides specialized support for under-represented minorities in the nutrition field.
Anne Arundel Community College provides an Associate of Science in Nutrition with an Arts and Sciences Transfer focus, serving as a strategic two-year foundation program designed to facilitate seamless transfer to four-year institutions like the University of Maryland.
Academic Rigor and Accreditation
Morgan State University holds a significant advantage in terms of professional recognition with its ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics) accreditation, which is essential for students planning to become registered dietitians. The program boasts an impressive 100% pass rate for the Registered Dietitian exam in 2023, demonstrating exceptional academic preparation and student support.
Anne Arundel Community College focuses on providing a solid foundation in sciences including biology, chemistry, and health sciences, but as a two-year transfer program, it doesn’t offer direct professional accreditation. Instead, it prepares students for successful transfer to accredited four-year programs.
Cost Analysis
Both programs offer excellent value, but serve different budget considerations:
Anne Arundel Community College:
- In-state: $6,500 – $9,800 annually
- Out-of-state: $9,100 – $13,600 annually
- Total two-year cost: approximately $13,000 – $27,200
Morgan State University:
- In-state: $6,500 – $9,700 annually
- Out-of-state: $17,100 – $25,600 annually
- Total four-year cost: approximately $26,000 – $102,400
For budget-conscious students, Anne Arundel offers the most affordable entry point, while Morgan State provides competitive four-year pricing, especially for in-state students.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
Morgan State University graduates are immediately eligible for dietetic internships and can pursue the RDN credential directly upon graduation. The program’s focus on nutrient metabolism, medical nutrition therapy, and health promotion provides comprehensive professional preparation. Graduates are positioned for immediate entry into nutrition careers or advanced study.
Anne Arundel Community College serves as a preparatory program, with graduates typically earning over $56,000 annually in nutrition-related positions after transferring and completing their bachelor’s degree. The program eliminates barriers by not requiring separate Health Sciences applications, streamlining the transfer process.
Who Should Choose Each Program
Choose Morgan State University if you:
- Want to complete your bachelor’s degree at one institution
- Prefer the HBCU experience and diverse learning environment
- Are committed to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
- Value direct access to dietetic internship opportunities
- Want comprehensive professional preparation in one program
- Are comfortable with a four-year commitment
Choose Anne Arundel Community College if you:
- Want to minimize initial educational costs
- Prefer a flexible transfer pathway to multiple four-year institutions
- Need time to explore different nutrition specializations
- Want to complete general education requirements affordably
- Are considering various four-year institutions for your bachelor’s degree
- Value the option to work while completing your foundation courses
Transfer Considerations
Anne Arundel’s program is specifically designed for seamless transfer to prestigious institutions like the University of Maryland, providing students with ultimate flexibility in choosing their final degree-granting institution. This pathway allows students to potentially access programs that might be more selective for direct admission.
Morgan State’s complete program eliminates transfer complications and ensures continuity in academic advising, professional mentorship, and career preparation services.
Bottom Line Recommendation
Your choice should align with your financial situation, career timeline, and educational preferences. Anne Arundel Community College offers an excellent, affordable foundation for students who want flexibility and lower initial costs, while Morgan State University provides a comprehensive, professionally accredited pathway for students ready to commit to a complete four-year nutrition education. Both institutions deliver quality education that can lead to successful careers in nutrition and dietetics—the key is matching the program structure to your individual needs and goals.