Colorado Nutrition Programs & Online Degrees

Colorado’s nutrition programs leverage the state’s pioneering spirit and health innovation ecosystem. Students gain hands-on experience addressing complex disparities—from working with Latino families in Denver’s urban food deserts to developing nutrition interventions for rural agricultural communities. The state’s tech-forward approach to healthcare creates opportunities to work with cutting-edge nutrition technologies, telehealth platforms, and data-driven wellness programs.

Colorado presents unique nutrition challenges amid a health-conscious landscape that demands innovative professionals. While the state leads the nation with the lowest adult obesity rate—hidden disparities persist.

• Food insecurity has risen to 11.2% in 2023, up from previous years
• Over 474,420 people face hunger statewide, including 141,570 children.
• Pueblo County experiences 19.1% food insecurity
• Agricultural communities in Southeast Colorado face rates as high as 18.1%

2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Colorado

At nutritiondegrees.org, we've researched and ranked the best nutrition degree programs in Colorado to help you find the perfect fit for your educational goals. Our team evaluates factors like accreditation, curriculum quality, and career outcomes to provide reliable and up-to-date information. For details on how we create these rankings, check out our https://www.nutritiondegrees.org/about-us/#ranking page.

#1

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO - Public 4-Year - colostate.edu

Bachelor's - Nutrition Science

Campus Based - Visit Website

Colorado State University-Fort Collins offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science, blending physiology, chemistry, public health, and biology to prepare students for careers in health sciences, dietetics, or advanced medical degrees. This campus-based program emphasizes a hands-on learning approach with opportunities to explore concentrations after the first year, focusing on disease prevention and health and wellness. As a bachelor's level program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams, though specific requirements should be verified with the university.

• Hands-on learning approach
• Blends multiple disciplines
• Prepares for health careers
• Offers three concentrations
• Campus-based program
• Focus on disease prevention
• Prepares for advanced degrees
• Accredited dietetics program
• Emphasizes health and wellness
• Tailored to career goals

Bachelor's - Nutrition Science

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

Colorado State University-Fort Collins features a Dietetics and Nutrition Management concentration within its Nutrition Science program, accredited for aspiring Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. It includes hands-on practicums in clinical nutrition, community settings, and food service management, with a GPA requirement of 3.1 or higher and no grades below C-. As a bachelor's level program, ACT or SAT exams may be necessary for admission; check with the university for details.

• Nationally accredited program
• Prepares for RDN credential
• Hands-on practicums available
• GPA requirement: 3.1
• No grade below C- accepted
• Focus on clinical nutrition
• Community nutrition focus
• Food service management
• Real-world learning opportunities
• Follows university tuition

Master's - Food Science and Nutrition

Concentration: Nutrition - Campus Based - Visit Website

Colorado State University-Fort Collins provides a Master of Science in Food Science and Nutrition with a concentration in Nutrition, offering advanced coursework in molecular, clinical, and community nutrition. This on-campus program requires a minimum of 35 credits and prepares students for leadership roles in health fields or doctoral studies through cutting-edge research. For master's level programs, entrance exams such as the GRE may be required; applicants should confirm with the institution.

• Specialization in Nutrition
• On-campus program
• Minimum 35 credits
• Focus on nutrition and health
• Prepares for doctoral studies
• Leadership roles in health fields
• Cutting-edge research opportunities
• Molecular, clinical, community nutrition
• Advanced nutrition science coursework
• Health-related career paths

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#2

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu

Bachelor's - Nutrition

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Northern Colorado's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition prepares students for careers in healthcare, education, and public health through a curriculum emphasizing personalized faculty guidance, small class sizes, and hands-on learning. Students can tailor their studies with flexible course options and combine the degree with other health majors, covering topics like nutrition's impact on health, food production, and community nutrition. The program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam and readies graduates for roles such as certified dietary managers or further studies in medical or graduate schools.

• B.S. in Nutrition
• Flexible course selection
• Hands-on learning opportunities
• Small class sizes
• Faculty advisers
• Prepares for Certified Dietary Manager exam
• Options to combine with other majors
• Covers health, fitness, business
• Community service opportunities
• Research participation

#3

Community College of Denver

Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - ccd.edu

Associate - Nutrition

Campus Based - Visit Website

Community College of Denver offers a two-year Associate of Science in Nutrition program on campus, designed to equip students for roles in health and wellness. The curriculum includes human nutrition, biochemistry, and wellness strategies, with a focus on seamless transfer to four-year institutions or entry-level positions like dietary aid or wellness coaching. A unique feature is the partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver, providing a 3+2 pathway to a master's degree for aspiring registered dietitians. No entrance exam is required for this associate-level program, and graduates benefit from a projected 10-15% job growth through 2030.

• Two-year Associate of Science degree
• Transfer pathway to 4-year university
• 10-15% job growth projected
• Multiple career opportunities
• 3+2 master's degree option
• Comprehensive nutrition curriculum
• Inter-institutional program agreement
• Nutrition career preparation

#4

Pikes Peak State College

Colorado Springs, CO - Public 4-Year - pikespeak.edu

Associate - Nutrition and Dietetics

Campus Based - Visit Website

Pikes Peak State College offers an Associate of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, a campus-based program that lays a strong foundation for careers in food and health sciences. It focuses on core areas like nutrition, food safety, dietary management, and human anatomy, while emphasizing transfer pathways for aspiring Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Students develop skills in meal planning, regulations, and communication, preparing them for further education and certification. As an associate-level program, it does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam.

• Associate of Science Degree
• Science, Engineering, Math Pathway
• Transfer-focused curriculum
• Strong job growth potential
• Covers food safety, nutrition

*Data obtained from: NCES IPEDS 2023 database. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Choosing the Right Program for You

Quick Program Selection Guide

Choose Colorado State University-Fort Collins for comprehensive research-focused education and ACEND accreditation.

CSU offers the most comprehensive pathway with Bachelor’s in Nutrition Science featuring three concentrations, nationally ACEND-accredited Dietetics and Nutrition Management track, and advanced Master’s in Food Science and Nutrition. The programs provide hands-on learning, high employment rates with median salaries over $70K, and strong preparation for RDN credentials and doctoral studies.

Select University of Northern Colorado for personalized education and flexible career preparation.

UNC’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition emphasizes small class sizes, direct faculty mentorship, and flexible course selection allowing combination with other health-related majors. Ideal for students seeking personalized attention, hands-on learning opportunities, and preparation for Certified Dietary Manager exam or medical/graduate school advancement.

Consider Community College of Denver for affordable transfer pathways and accelerated completion options.

CCD offers unique 3+2 pathway with Metropolitan State University for registered dietitian preparation, seamless transfer options to four-year universities, and comprehensive two-year foundation with 10-15% job growth projections in the field.

Choose Pikes Peak State College for science-focused foundation and transfer preparation.

PPSC provides Associate of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with strong Science, Engineering, and Math pathway focus, transfer-oriented curriculum, and comprehensive coverage of food safety and nutrition essentials for future RDN preparation.

Types of Degrees

Associate Level Foundation Programs

Community College of Denver: Offers comprehensive Associate of Science in Nutrition with unique 3+2 pathway to Metropolitan State University, seamless transfer options, and strong career preparation with 10-15% projected job growth through 2030.

Pikes Peak State College: Provides Associate of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics within Science, Engineering, and Math pathway, emphasizing transfer preparation, food safety, nutrition science, and dietary management fundamentals.

Bachelor’s Level Comprehensive Training

Colorado State University-Fort Collins: Features Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science with three concentrations:

• Dietetics and Nutrition Management (ACEND-accredited for RDN preparation)
• Additional concentrations for specialized career pathways
• Interdisciplinary approach merging physiology, chemistry, and public health

University of Northern Colorado: Offers Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with flexible course selection, small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and options to combine with other health-related majors for diverse career preparation.

Graduate Level Advanced Studies

Colorado State University-Fort Collins: Provides Master of Science in Food Science and Nutrition with Nutrition concentration (35 credits minimum), focusing on molecular, clinical, and community nutrition with research opportunities and preparation for doctoral studies or leadership roles.

Admission Standards and Accessibility

Entrance Exam Policies

Colorado programs require standardized testing for undergraduate admission:

• ACT/SAT Required: All bachelor’s degree programs (CSU, UNC, CCD, PPSC)
• No GRE Required: CSU’s Master’s program eliminates graduate entrance exam barriers
• Graduate Programs: Focus on undergraduate preparation and research interests

GPA Requirements and Academic Performance

Undergraduate Programs:

• Colorado State University: 3.1 GPA requirement for Dietetics concentration with no grades below C-
• University of Northern Colorado: Standard admission requirements with personalized support
• Community colleges: Generally accessible with high school completion

Graduate Programs:

• Colorado State University: Competitive admission based on undergraduate performance and research interests

Prerequisite Requirements and Preparation

Programs typically require strong science foundations:

• Chemistry and Biochemistry coursework for advanced programs
• Biology and Physiology preparation
• Mathematics competency for research-focused programs
• Health sciences background preferred for graduate study

Financial Considerations

Public University Value Proposition

Colorado State University: In-state public university pricing with comprehensive ACEND-accredited programs, high employment rates (median salaries over $70K), and strong return on investment through professional credentialing.

University of Northern Colorado: Competitive public university rates with personalized education benefits, small class sizes providing enhanced value through individual attention and mentorship.

Community College Affordability

Community College of Denver: Outstanding value with two-year associate degree providing affordable pathway to four-year institutions and unique 3+2 master’s degree completion option.

Pikes Peak State College: Cost-effective associate degree with strong transfer preparation and comprehensive foundational training in nutrition sciences.

Return on Investment Projections

Colorado programs demonstrate strong career prospects:

• 10-15% job growth projected through 2030 in nutrition field
• Median salaries over $70K for registered dietitians
• High employment rates for ACEND-accredited program graduates
• Multiple career pathways in healthcare, education, and public health

Learning Formats and Schedule Flexibility

Campus-Based Comprehensive Experience

All Colorado programs offer traditional campus-based learning featuring:

• Hands-on laboratory experiences and practical skills development
• Research opportunities and faculty collaboration
• Small class sizes providing personalized attention
• Community service opportunities and real-world application

Flexible Academic Scheduling

University of Northern Colorado: Emphasizes flexible course selection allowing students to combine nutrition with other health-related majors for customized career preparation.

Community colleges: Provide accessible scheduling options for diverse student populations including working adults and transfer-focused students.

Accelerated Completion Options

• Community College of Denver: 3+2 pathway enabling bachelor’s and master’s completion in five years
• Transfer agreements: Seamless transitions between institutions for efficient degree completion

Career Specializations and Professional Focus

Clinical and Medical Nutrition

Colorado State University: ACEND-accredited Dietetics and Nutrition Management concentration with clinical nutrition focus, food service management, and sports nutrition practicums preparing students for RDN credentials and healthcare careers.

Research and Advanced Practice

Colorado State University: Master’s program emphasizing molecular, clinical, and community nutrition with research opportunities, preparing graduates for doctoral studies and leadership roles in nutrition science.

Community and Public Health Nutrition

Multiple programs address:

• Community wellness programming and implementation
• Public health nutrition applications and disease prevention
• Health promotion strategies across diverse populations
• Food safety and management principles

Wellness and Fitness Integration

University of Northern Colorado: Comprehensive coverage of health, fitness, and business applications with opportunities to combine nutrition training with related health disciplines.

Dietary Management and Food Service

Programs prepare students for:

• Certified Dietary Manager certification and roles
• Food service management in healthcare and institutional settings
• Meal planning and dietary laws compliance
• Nutrition counseling and client interaction

Program Comparison Table (the basics)

Job Market: Why Colorado is Ideal for Nutrition Careers

The state’s health-conscious culture, innovative wellness industry, and commitment to addressing health disparities create diverse opportunities for nutrition professionals to thrive.

• Dynamic demand: Health-conscious population drives innovation in preventive nutrition and wellness programs
• Premium compensation: Nutritionists in Denver earn $55,722 annually ($26.79/hour), while registered dietitians average $78,539 ($37.76/hour) statewide, with Denver dietitians earning $65,713
• Diverse settings: Opportunities span world-class medical centers like Denver Health and Children’s Hospital Colorado, innovative wellness startups, sports nutrition with professional teams, and community health initiatives
• Advanced education advantage: Master’s degree requirement starting January 2024 for RDN credentials increases professional value in competitive market
• Quality of life: High salaries combined with Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle and health-focused culture create exceptional work-life balance

Major employers like Denver Health Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and innovative wellness companies provide diverse clinical rotations and career pathways. Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry also creates unique opportunities in sports nutrition, adventure-based therapy, and active lifestyle counseling.