Arkansas faces the nation’s most severe nutrition and health challenges that demand qualified professionals. With 18.9% of households experiencing food insecurity—the highest rate in the United States—and nearly one in four children lacking access to healthy food, the need for nutrition experts has never been greater.
Compounding these challenges, Arkansas ranks as the 5th worst state for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, with 36.4% of adults classified as obese and over 307,000 diagnosed with diabetes, plus an estimated additional 70,000 undiagnosed cases.
Arkansas’s nutrition programs leverage the state’s urgent health needs to provide unparalleled hands-on experience. Students work directly with communities experiencing the nation’s highest rates of food insecurity and diet-related disease, gaining expertise in addressing complex, interconnected health challenges. Clinical rotations span diverse settings from rural health clinics serving underinsured populations to specialized diabetes centers managing the state’s chronic disease epidemic.
2025 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Arkansas
Looking for the best nutrition degree programs in Arkansas? nutritiondegrees.org has you covered. Our rankings highlight top schools offering quality education in nutrition. We focus on programs that prepare students for successful careers. Whether you're starting out or advancing your skills, our list can help. Check out our ranking methodology to see how we pick the best.
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR - Public 4-Year - astate.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Online Learning - Visit Website
Arkansas State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, designed for those aspiring to enter the health and wellness field. This 120-credit program emphasizes food science, nutrition therapy, and meal planning, including ServSafe certification. Priced at $282 per credit hour, it provides the flexibility of online learning with multiple start dates each year. Students can transfer up to 90 credits and need a minimum 2.0 GPA for admission. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in hospitals, schools, and community health, with the foundation to pursue further nutrition credentials. Requires ACT/SAT.
- 100% online degree format
- $282 per credit hour
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- ServSafe certification included
- Prepares for multiple nutrition careers
- 120 total credit hours required
- Multiple start dates annually
- Industry-relevant skills training
Harding University
Searcy, AR - Private 4-year - harding.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Applied Dietetics Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
Harding University offers a Master of Science in Applied Dietetics Practice online, tailored for those aiming to become registered dietitian nutritionists. This program stands out by integrating Christian values with a competency-based curriculum, focusing on evidence-based practice to address community health needs. It requires 49 credit hours and 1106 hours of supervised experiential learning, which can be completed in local settings for flexibility. Admission criteria include a bachelor's degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and completion of prerequisite courses, with the advantage of not requiring a GRE for entry. Accredited by ACEND, it prepares students for the RDN exam, emphasizing practical skills and ServSafe certification. Highlights include its online flexibility, no GRE requirement, and a strong focus on community health and wellness.
- Online program flexibility.
- 49 credit hours required.
- 1106 supervised learning hours.
- No GRE for admission.
- Christian principles integrated.
- Competency-based curriculum.
- Accredited by ACEND.
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
- Bachelor's degree prerequisite.
- ServSafe certification needed.
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR - Public 4-Year - uark.edu
Bachelor's - Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas's Human Nutrition and Dietetics program is an ACEND-accredited bachelor's degree designed to prepare students for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. With a curriculum rich in nutrition science, food science, and healthcare, students gain expertise in nutrition assessment, medical nutrition therapy, and community nutrition. The program is notable for its focus on dietary counseling, health promotion, and disease prevention across all life stages. Starting in 2024, it aligns with the new master's degree requirement for RDN credentialing, ensuring graduates are competitive in the field. Requires ACT/SAT.
- ACEND-accredited program
- Prepares for RDN credential
- Comprehensive science-based curriculum
- Multiple nutrition-focused courses
- Practical skills in nutrition counseling
- Covers life cycle nutrition
- Requires advanced science prerequisites
- Includes medical nutrition therapy courses
Bachelor's - Food, Nutrition and Health
Campus Based - Visit Website
At the University of Arkansas, the Food, Nutrition and Health program offers a broad foundation in the impact of food and nutrition on health, catering to students eyeing careers in wellness, public health, or nutrition research. Unlike traditional dietetics programs, it includes unique courses like culinary nutrition and sports nutrition, preparing students for diverse roles in the food service industry, marketing, and beyond. This campus-based program emphasizes practical skills in dietary management and recipe modification, alongside opportunities in public health and nutrition research. Requires ACT/SAT.
- Campus-based program
- Focus on food and nutrition
- Career paths in health
- Includes culinary nutrition
- Sports nutrition courses
- Public health opportunities
- Nutrition research focus
- Dietary management training
- Food service industry prep
- Marketing and sales skills
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, AR - Private 4-year - obu.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Ouachita Baptist University's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is a comprehensive program tailored for aspiring Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. It delves into essential subjects like human anatomy, chemistry, and nutrition science, equipping students for diverse roles in clinical, community, and food service nutrition. A solid science background is a prerequisite for admission. The curriculum is designed to provide practical experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the RD exam and eligible for dietetic internships with the awarded Verification Statement. This program stands out for its focus on real-world applications and commitment to advancing nutritional health. Requires ACT/SAT.
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for RD exam
- Includes science and nutrition
- Hands-on experience
- Verification Statement awarded
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR - Public 4-Year - uca.edu
Bachelor's - Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Central Arkansas stands out with its Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, designed for students aiming to excel in the nutrition and healthcare sectors. This program delves into human biology, biochemistry, and nutrition science, alongside essential counseling skills, setting a solid groundwork for those seeking to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). With ACEND accreditation, it opens doors to diverse career paths in clinical, community, and public health nutrition. The curriculum's interdisciplinary approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the nutrition field. Requires ACT/SAT.
- ACEND-accredited dietetics program
- Path to RDN certification
- Interdisciplinary curriculum
- Multiple career opportunities
- Competitive job market growth
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR - Public 4-Year - hsu.edu
Bachelor's - Family and Consumer Sciences
Concentration: Dietetics - Campus Based - Visit Website
Henderson State University's Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a Dietetics concentration is designed for aspiring registered dietitians. Located in Arkadelphia, AR, this campus-based program emphasizes medical nutrition therapy, foodservice management, and dietetics science. Students must achieve a minimum 2.75 GPA for admission, with a 3.0 GPA required to obtain a verification statement for dietetic internships. The curriculum covers nutrition, food science, and community nutrition, integrating these with general education for a comprehensive learning experience. This program stands out for its focus on practical skills and academic knowledge, preparing graduates for successful careers in nutrition and dietetics. Requires ACT/SAT.
- Campus-based program.
- Focus on Dietetics concentration.
- Requires minimum 2.75 GPA.
- 3.0 GPA for verification statement.
- Courses in nutrition and food science.
- Prepares for registered dietitian careers.
- Includes medical nutrition therapy.
- Community nutrition studies.
- General education requirements included.
- Practical and academic blend.
2025 Most Affordable Nutrition Programs in AR
Finding the right nutrition program in Arkansas that fits your budget is key to starting your career without heavy debt. The table highlights schools offering Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees, focusing on their program highlights and tuition range. Affordable and low-cost options are crucial for students aiming to balance quality education with financial practicality. Whether you're in Little Rock, Fayetteville, or elsewhere in AR, these programs provide opportunities to advance in nutrition without overspending. The year 2025 brings a focus on economical education choices, ensuring students can pursue their degrees without the stress of high costs.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Arkansas State University |
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| University of Central Arkansas |
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| Henderson State University |
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Programs by City - Associate, Bachelors, Masters
Arkansas offers various nutrition degree programs at different levels, including associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. These programs prepare students for careers in nutrition and dietetics. Below is a table listing schools in Arkansas with their programs. It includes the city and state, program highlights, and links to each school's program page. This info helps you find the right program for your education and career goals in nutrition.
Arkadelphia, AR
Henderson State University
- Bachelor's - Family and Consumer Sciences
Concentration: Dietetics - Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Focus on Dietetics concentration.
- Requires minimum 2.75 GPA.
- 3.0 GPA for verification statement.
- Courses in nutrition and food science.
- Prepares for registered dietitian careers.
- Includes medical nutrition therapy.
- Community nutrition studies.
Ouachita Baptist University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for RD exam
- Includes science and nutrition
- Hands-on experience
- Verification Statement awarded
Conway, AR
University of Central Arkansas
- Bachelor's - Dietetics
Campus Based - Website
- ACEND-accredited dietetics program
- Path to RDN certification
- Interdisciplinary curriculum
- Multiple career opportunities
- Competitive job market growth
Fayetteville, AR
University of Arkansas
- Bachelor's - Food, Nutrition and Health
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Focus on food and nutrition
- Career paths in health
- Includes culinary nutrition
- Sports nutrition courses
- Public health opportunities
- Nutrition research focus
- Dietary management training
- Bachelor's - Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Campus Based - Website
- ACEND-accredited program
- Prepares for RDN credential
- Comprehensive science-based curriculum
- Multiple nutrition-focused courses
- Practical skills in nutrition counseling
- Covers life cycle nutrition
- Requires advanced science prerequisites
- Includes medical nutrition therapy courses
Jonesboro, AR
Arkansas State University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online degree format
- $282 per credit hour
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- ServSafe certification included
- Prepares for multiple nutrition careers
- 120 total credit hours required
- Multiple start dates annually
- Industry-relevant skills training
Searcy, AR
Harding University
- Master's - Master of Science in Applied Dietetics Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Online program flexibility.
- 49 credit hours required.
- 1106 supervised learning hours.
- No GRE for admission.
- Christian principles integrated.
- Competency-based curriculum.
- Accredited by ACEND.
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
Arkansas’s critical health needs create exceptional opportunities for nutrition professionals to make meaningful, life-saving impact in their communities.
Why Arkansas is Ideal for Nutrition Careers
- Critical demand: Arkansas’s status as the nation’s most food-insecure state drives urgent need for nutrition professionals
- Diverse settings: Opportunities span major medical centers, rural clinics, schools, community health programs, and diabetes prevention initiatives
- Competitive compensation: Nutritionists in Arkansas earn an average of $56,082 annually ($26.96/hour), with dietitians earning $32.70/hour and experienced professionals reaching $63,285 annually
- Advanced education requirement: Starting January 2024, aspiring dietitians must obtain a master’s degree for RDN credential, increasing professional value and marketability
- Lower cost of living: Arkansas offers better work-life balance with nutrition salaries covering living expenses more effectively than high-cost states
Essential Skills & Employer Expectations
Arkansas employers across healthcare systems, government agencies, and private companies are actively seeking qualified nutrition and dietetics professionals. Based on current job postings, here’s what they’re looking for, organized by key skill sets and competencies.
Core Clinical Competencies
Medical Nutrition Therapy & Assessment Skills
What Employers Want: The ability to conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments, develop individualized care plans, and provide evidence-based nutrition interventions.
Key Employers & Compensation:
- Compass Group (Morrison Healthcare) – $60,000-$110,000 annually: Seeks RDs to provide medical nutrition therapy including nutrition assessment, diet modification, and patient education in acute care settings
- ARcare (Conway & Jonesboro) – Competitive salary: Requires expertise in Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Training (DSME/T) for comprehensive patient care
- East Arkansas Family Health Center – $58,000-$83,082 annually: Focuses on therapeutic nutritional care plans and patient counseling across diverse populations
- Mercy (Rogers) – Competitive benefits package: Emphasizes evidence-based practice skills and multidisciplinary collaboration for clinical care
Specialized Disease Management
What Employers Want: Advanced knowledge in managing specific conditions through nutrition intervention.
Key Employers & Compensation:
- DaVita (Springdale) – Competitive package with performance rewards: Requires completion of Competency Assessment for Renal Dietitians (CARD) with 80% score for specialized kidney disease nutrition
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital (Little Rock) – Full-time benefits: Seeks expertise in pediatric nutrition across all age groups from newborns to adults, with specialization in allergy/immunology clinic work
- Gentiva Hospice (Batesville & Russellville) – Comprehensive benefits plus mileage reimbursement: Focuses on maximizing nutritional comfort for hospice patients
Technology & Documentation Skills
Electronic Health Records & Software Proficiency
What Employers Want: Advanced computer skills and ability to navigate healthcare technology systems efficiently.
Key Employers & Requirements:
- All Major Healthcare Systems consistently require proficiency in Microsoft Office, electronic medical records, and diet office systems
- DaVita specifically mandates functional proficiency with company-specific applications within 60 days
- Ben E. Keith Company (Lowell) – Full benefits plus profit-sharing: Requires expertise in Menu Trac software installation and updates for healthcare accounts
- ARcare emphasizes electronic health record documentation following the Nutrition Care Process
Nutrient Analysis & Data Management
What Employers Want: Technical skills in nutrition analysis programming and data interpretation.
Key Employers:
- Compass Group (Unidine) – $45-$50/hour: Requires expertise in nutrient analysis programming alongside clinical skills
- State of Arkansas (Little Rock) – $45,010-$65,265: Seeks ability to research demographic data and evaluate program effectiveness through statistical analysis
Communication & Education Abilities
Patient & Family Education
What Employers Want: Exceptional communication skills to educate diverse populations on nutrition and lifestyle modifications.
Key Employers & Focus Areas:
- East Arkansas Family Health Center – $58,000-$83,082: Emphasizes counseling individuals and groups on healthy eating habits and nutrition monitoring
- ARcare locations prioritize patient education on nutrition and lifestyle strategies, including telehealth delivery
- CommonSpirit Health (Sherwood) requires excellent customer service skills while counseling patients, families, and caregivers
Professional Training & Mentorship
What Employers Want: Ability to train staff, mentor interns, and conduct educational programs.
Key Employers & Compensation:
- State of Arkansas (Little Rock) – $45,010-$65,265: Requires passion for educating Child Nutrition professionals through online and in-person training modules
- Ben E. Keith Company – Comprehensive benefits: Seeks ability to train dietary managers, administrators, and conduct quarterly meetings across healthcare accounts
- Morrison Healthcare positions emphasize training and mentoring patient services staff and dietetic interns
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
Federal & State Regulation Knowledge
What Employers Want: Deep understanding of healthcare regulations, food safety standards, and compliance requirements.
Key Employers & Requirements:
- State of Arkansas (Little Rock): Requires knowledge of USDA programs including National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and related federal initiatives
- Ben E. Keith Company: Seeks expertise in federal, state, and company regulations with ability to assist in Recovery Audit Contractor audits
- All Healthcare Facilities require adherence to HIPAA regulations, JCAHO standards, and state health regulations
Food Service Operations Management
What Employers Want: Understanding of food systems management and operational oversight.
Key Employers & Compensation:
- Ben E. Keith Company – Full benefits plus profit-sharing: Requires comprehensive food service management including menu development, equipment evaluation, and sanitation inspections
- Unity Health (Newport) – Day shift schedule: Focuses on menu preparation for patients and solving food service problems
- Lifepoint Careers (White Hall) – Comprehensive benefits: Emphasizes menu approval, modified diets, and dietary services department oversight
Specialization Areas & Advanced Credentials
Pediatric & Specialized Populations
Advanced Degree Preferences: Master’s degrees preferred for specialized roles.
Key Employers:
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital – Master’s degree preferred: Requires knowledge across all age groups with specialized focus on allergy/immunology patients
- Unity Health requires expertise in care across neonate, infant, childhood, adolescence, adult, and geriatric populations
Diabetes Education & Chronic Disease Management
Specialized Certifications: CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist) preferred.
Key Employers:
- ARcare (multiple locations) prefers CDCES certification for diabetes self-management education and training roles
- East Arkansas Family Health Center focuses on managing clients’ dietary restrictions and chronic conditions
Geriatric & Long-Term Care
What Employers Want: Experience with elderly populations and long-term care regulations.
Key Employers & Compensation:
- Claxton Dietetic Solutions (Arkadelphia) – $30-$34/hour: Prefers geriatric experience for long-term care facility nutrition services
- Healthcare Services Group – $33/hour starting with $2,500 retention bonus: Focuses on long-term care facility nutritional services with regulatory compliance
Interdisciplinary Collaboration Skills
Team-Based Care
What Employers Want: Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Key Employers:
- Mercy emphasizes collaboration within multidisciplinary teams and participation in performance improvement projects
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital requires active participation in medical team rounds and nutritional case studies
- CommonSpirit Health focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration to identify patients at nutrition risk
Salary Ranges by Employment Sector
Healthcare Systems (Highest Paying)
- Clinical Dietitians: $58,000 – $110,000 annually
- Specialized Roles: Up to $110,000 with sign-on bonuses up to $10,000
- Hourly Clinical Positions: $45-$50/hour
Government Positions (Stable with Benefits)
- Nutritionist Consultants: $45,010 – $65,265 annually
- Dietetic Specialists: $29,046 – $42,117 annually
Private Practice & Consulting
- Contract Dietitians: $30-$34/hour
- Part-time Specialized Roles: $33/hour starting with retention bonuses
Corporate Food Service
- Healthcare Consultants: Competitive salary with profit-sharing plans
Education & Licensure Requirements
Universal Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or related field from ACEND-accredited program
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential from Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Arkansas state licensure through Arkansas Dietetics Licensing Board
- CPR certification (required by most employers)
Preferred Advanced Education
- Master’s degrees preferred for specialized positions (Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Mercy)
- Additional certifications like CDCES for diabetes education roles
- Continuing education requirements maintained through CDR format
Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities
Technology & Food Service Management
Nutrition professionals can transition into roles involving:
- Software implementation and training (Ben E. Keith Company)
- Healthcare technology integration (electronic health records)
- Quality assurance and program evaluation
Education & Training
Opportunities exist in:
- Government program administration (State of Arkansas)
- Professional development and training coordination
- Corporate wellness and consultation services
Business & Operations
Nutrition expertise opens doors to:
- Food service distribution and sales
- Healthcare administration and management
- Policy development and regulatory compliance
Market Outlook
Arkansas employers are competing for qualified nutrition professionals by offering:
- Sign-on bonuses up to $10,000
- Relocation assistance packages
- Retention bonuses up to $2,500
- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, and retirement matching
- Professional development support and continuing education allowances
- Flexible scheduling options including telehealth opportunities
The strong demand across multiple sectors—from acute care hospitals to government agencies to private consulting—demonstrates the versatility and stability of nutrition careers in Arkansas, with clear pathways for advancement and specialization based on individual interests and career goals.