Students interested in nutrition and dietetics in the Birmingham area have two excellent, yet distinct, choices for affordable education
- The University of Alabama
- Samford University.
The University of Alabama is a public institution known for its affordability, particularly for in-state students, and its extensive online and flexible program options. It is a strong choice for those needing to balance their studies with work or family commitments and offers a research-focused curriculum.
In contrast, Samford University, a private Christian institution, provides a more personalized, traditional campus-based experience. While its tuition is higher, it offers a strong sense of community, intensive faculty mentorship, and over 80 years of program excellence.
Both universities offer ACEND-accredited programs that prepare graduates for the RDN credential, but they cater to different learning styles, financial situations, and career goals, giving students clear options for a successful future in the field.
2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in the Birmingham Area
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL - Public 4-Year - ua.edu
Bachelor's - Food and Nutrition
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Alabama's online Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition is an ACEND-accredited program, one of only 11 distance learning options in the U.S. It requires 120 credit hours at $385 per credit, with no ACT/SAT needed for admission, focusing on nutrition science and food service management to prepare students for careers as registered dietitians. Ideal for working adults, it emphasizes flexibility and accessibility.
- ACEND-accredited program
- 120 credit hours
- $385 per credit hour
- Online format
- No ACT/SAT required
- 2.0 GPA admission requirement
- Prepares for RDN exam
- Covers nutrition and health
- Includes food service management
- Flexible for working adults
Bachelor's - Food and Nutrition + Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
Concentration: Didactic Program in Dietetics - Online Learning - Visit Website
This online Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition with a Didactic Program in Dietetics concentration is ACEND-accredited, requiring 120 credit hours at $385 each. ACT/SAT is waived for some applicants, with a 2.0 GPA admission requirement. It blends science and practical education to prepare students for registered dietitian careers, emphasizing nutrition's role in human health and offering flexibility for working adults.
- ACEND-accredited program.
- 100% online format.
- 120 credit hours required.
- $385 tuition per hour.
- 2.0 GPA for admission.
- No ACT/SAT for some.
- Prepares for dietitian careers.
- Focus on nutrition science.
- Includes DPD concentration.
- Flexible for working adults.
Bachelor's - Food and Nutrition
Concentration: Nutrition Sciences - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Nutrition Sciences concentration at The University of Alabama is a campus-based program focused on preparing students for medical school or advanced health professions. It covers biochemistry, community nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy, with hands-on research opportunities. Admission requires a strong science background, and it does not lead to dietitian registration but builds practical skills for healthcare careers.
- Focus on medical school prep.
- Strong science foundation.
- Hands-on research opportunities.
- Covers biochemistry, nutrition.
- Ideal for healthcare careers.
- No dietitian registration.
- Practical skills emphasized.
- Admission requires science aptitude.
Master's - Master of Science in Human Nutrition
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Human Nutrition at The University of Alabama offers 30 credit hours online or on-campus, with Generalist, Community, or Clinical tracks. No GRE is required for admission, but a 3.0 GPA is needed. Designed for registered dietitians and those with a bachelor's in nutrition, it focuses on advanced research, core courses, and a capstone, preparing for advanced practice or doctoral studies.
- 30 credit-hour program
- Online and on-campus options
- Generalist, Community, or Clinical tracks
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Prerequisites for non-ACEND degrees
- Core research and nutrition courses
- Electives available
- Capstone experience included
- Prepares for advanced practice
Master's - Master of Science in Human Nutrition
Concentration: Clinical - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Human Nutrition with a Clinical Concentration is a 30 credit-hour program available online or on-campus, requiring a 3.0 GPA and no GRE. It focuses on advanced clinical nutrition, including courses on metabolism, and prepares students for doctoral studies or advanced practice. Designed for registered dietitians, it emphasizes research skills and up-to-date knowledge.
- 30 credit-hour program.
- Clinical Concentration available.
- Online and on-campus options.
- GPA requirement of 3.0.
- No GRE required.
- Prepares for doctoral study.
- Focus on research skills.
- Up-to-date nutrition knowledge.
- Specific prerequisites required.
- Courses in metabolism.
Master's - Master of Science in Human Nutrition
Concentration: Community - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Human Nutrition with a Community concentration at The University of Alabama is a 30-credit program offered online or on-campus, with no GRE required and a 3.0 GPA admission. It focuses on community nutrition, research methods, and biostatistics, ideal for registered dietitians aiming to impact public health. The curriculum includes customizable electives and a capstone experience.
- 30 credit-hour program
- Online and on-campus options
- Community concentration available
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses needed
- Research methods included
- Biostatistics course
- Electives customizable
- For registered dietitians
Samford University
Birmingham, AL - Private 4-year - samford.edu
Bachelor's - Nutrition and Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Samford University's Nutrition and Dietetics major, offered on campus in Birmingham, AL, has over 80 years of experience preparing students to become competent, entry-level dietitians/nutritionists (RDN). The program focuses on human health, food, and nutrition through a comprehensive curriculum that blends theory with practical skills, ideal for those called to serve populations in public health. As a bachelor's level program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams; prospective students should check the university's website for specific admissions details. It is military-friendly and affiliated with the Baptist faith.
- Over 80 years of experience.
- Prepares entry-level dietitians/nutritionists.
- Campus-based in Birmingham, AL.
- Focuses on human health and nutrition.
- Comprehensive curriculum.
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Online Learning - Visit Website
Samford University's online Master of Science in Nutrition provides advanced knowledge in nutrition science, health promotion, and clinical practice, designed for career enhancement in healthcare, education, and research. The 33-34 credit program can be completed in one year with a part-time option, focusing on leadership, evidence-based practice, and an inter-professional setting. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and prerequisite courses; for the 2024 cycle, GRE, MCAT, or DAT scores are waived, but international students need TOEFL/IELTS. It is military-friendly and Baptist-affiliated.
- 33-34 credit program
- Completed in one year
- Part-time option available
- Online study format
- Christian learning community
- Focus on leadership skills
- Evidence-based practice research
- Inter-professional course setting
- Capstone research project
- Prepares for RDN exam
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Concentration: Dietetics - Online Learning - Visit Website
Samford University's online Master of Science in Nutrition with a Dietetics Concentration prepares students for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in a Christian learning environment, accredited by ACEND. The flexible online program includes supervised experiential learning nationwide and a capstone project, leading to eligibility for the RDN exam. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, specific prerequisites, and no GRE is required; costs approximately $50,194 over two years with financial aid options. It is military-friendly and Baptist-affiliated.
- Accredited by ACEND.
- Flexible online courses.
- Supervised learning nationwide.
- Prepares for RDN exam.
- Christian learning community.
- Personalized mentorship.
- Elective courses available.
- Capstone project customization.
- No GRE required.
- Bachelor's degree required.
2026 Most Affordable Nutrition Programs in the Birmingham Area
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama |
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| Samford University |
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Choosing the Right School for You in Birmingham
When selecting a nutrition program in the Birmingham area, students have two excellent but distinctly different options: the University of Alabama vs Samford University.
Both institutions offer quality education pathways to careers in nutrition and dietetics, but they serve different student populations and offer unique advantages. Here’s a comprehensive analysis to help you make the best choice for your educational and professional goals.
Program Overview and Philosophy
University of Alabama offers a comprehensive public university experience with exceptional online flexibility and one of the nation’s few ACEND-accredited distance learning programs. UA emphasizes accessibility, affordability, and research-based education with multiple degree levels and specialization options.
Samford University provides a private Christian university experience with over 80 years of excellence in nutrition education. Samford emphasizes personalized mentorship, a faith-based learning community, and intensive hands-on training in a traditional campus setting.
Academic Offerings Comparison
Undergraduate Programs
University of Alabama:
- Online Bachelor’s in Food and Nutrition (120 credits, $46,200 total)
- Online Bachelor’s with DPD Concentration (ACEND-accredited, RD pathway)
- Campus-based Nutrition Sciences (pre-med focused, no RD eligibility)
- Highly flexible with 2.0 GPA admission requirement
Samford University:
- Campus-based Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Dietetics
- 80+ years of program experience
- Traditional campus experience in Birmingham
- Standard entrance exam requirements (SAT/ACT)
Graduate Programs
University of Alabama:
- Master’s in Human Nutrition (30 credits)
- Three concentrations: Generalist, Clinical, Community
- Online and on-campus options
- No GRE required, 3.0 GPA minimum
Samford University:
- Master’s in Nutrition (33-34 credits, ~$50,194)
- Master’s in Nutrition with Dietetics Concentration (ACEND-accredited)
- Can be completed in one year full-time
- No GRE required, 3.0 GPA minimum
Cost Analysis
University of Alabama (Public):
- Undergraduate in-state: $9,500-$14,300 annually
- Undergraduate out-of-state: $26,600-$39,800 annually
- Graduate in-state: $9,400-$14,100 annually
- Graduate out-of-state: $26,400-$39,600 annually
- Most affordable option, especially for Alabama residents
Samford University (Private):
- Undergraduate: $30,500-$45,800 annually
- Graduate: $18,100-$27,100 annually
- Higher cost but includes private university benefits and smaller class sizes
Learning Environment and Support
University of Alabama offers:
- Maximum flexibility with online options
- Large research university resources
- Self-directed learning environment
- Diverse student body
- Extensive alumni network
Samford University provides:
- Small class sizes and personalized attention
- Christian learning community
- Intensive faculty mentorship
- Campus-based hands-on experience
- Close-knit student relationships
Who Should Choose Each School
Choose University of Alabama if you:
- Need maximum flexibility for work/family commitments
- Want the most affordable accredited nutrition education
- Prefer online learning or live far from Birmingham
- Are interested in research opportunities at a major university
- Want multiple specialization options (Clinical, Community, Generalist)
- Need accommodating admission requirements (2.0 GPA minimum)
- Value the prestige of a major public research university
Choose Samford University if you:
- Prefer small class sizes and personalized attention
- Want a faith-based learning environment
- Value intensive mentorship and close faculty relationships
- Prefer traditional campus-based education
- Are willing to invest more for a private university experience
- Want the benefits of 80+ years of nutrition education expertise
- Prefer a close-knit academic community in Birmingham
Professional Preparation
Both schools prepare students for RDN certification through ACEND-accredited programs, but with different approaches:
University of Alabama offers broader flexibility with multiple pathways, extensive online options, and research emphasis that prepares students for diverse nutrition careers including advanced graduate study.
Samford University provides intensive, personalized preparation with supervised experiential learning nationwide and comprehensive mentorship that ensures strong individual preparation for professional practice.
Geographic and Lifestyle Considerations
University of Alabama serves students nationally through online programs while offering the resources of a major university town in Tuscaloosa. The online format eliminates location barriers.
Samford University offers a Birmingham-based campus experience in Alabama’s largest metro area, providing urban internship opportunities and professional networking within the state’s healthcare community.
Bottom Line Recommendation
Your choice should align with your learning style, financial situation, and career goals. Choose University of Alabama if you need affordability, flexibility, and online learning options, especially if you’re an Alabama resident. The school offers exceptional value with nationally recognized ACEND accreditation and research opportunities.
Choose Samford University if you prefer personalized attention, a faith-based community, and traditional campus-based education, and you’re willing to invest in a premium private university experience. Samford’s intensive mentorship and 80+ years of program excellence provide exceptional professional preparation.
Both institutions lead to successful nutrition careers, but UA excels in accessibility and value while Samford excels in personalized education and community support. Consider visiting both campuses (or attending virtual sessions) to experience the learning environments firsthand before making your final decision.