Chicago offers a wide range of nutrition and dietetics programs, from associate degrees designed for university transfer to ACEND-accredited master’s programs that prepare students for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential.
Here is the everything you need to know.
How Much Will It Cost?
Tuition for Chicago-area nutrition and dietetics programs typically ranges from about $13,800 to $45,200 annually, depending on the school, program level, and residency status. Public universities like the University of Illinois Chicago offer the most affordable graduate options for in-state students, while private institutions such as Dominican University and Benedictine University have higher tuition rates.
How Long Does It Take?
Program lengths vary from 16 months for accelerated master’s programs with a dietetic internship to about two years for traditional master’s degrees. Bachelor’s programs generally require four years of full-time study, while associate degrees from community colleges like Harper College and Triton College take about two years before transferring to a bachelor’s program.
2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in the Chicago Area
Benedictine University
Lisle, IL - Private 4-year - ben.edu
Bachelor's - Nutrition and Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Benedictine University's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is an ACEND-accredited campus program in Lisle, IL, preparing students for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. It requires a 3.0 GPA for admission and includes coursework in nutritional biochemistry, medical nutrition therapy, and food service management, with no entrance exam specified. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and offers a pathway to graduate studies, focusing on health promotion and professional development.
- ACEND accredited program.
- Requires 73-82 credit hours.
- Campus-based in Lisle, IL.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
- Includes medical nutrition therapy.
- Pathway to graduate studies.
- Focus on evidence-based practice.
- Prepares for RDN credential.
- Combines theory and practical skills.
- Covers food service management.
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Benedictine University is a hybrid program with two tracks, requiring 33 credits and a 3.0 GPA. It prepares graduates for roles in healthcare through evidence-based curriculum in health promotion and medical nutrition therapy. GRE submission is optional, and the program includes practical experiences, making it suitable for aspiring dietetic professionals without mandatory entrance exams.
- Hybrid program delivery
- 33 semester credit hours
- Two distinct program tracks
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Evidence-based nutrition curriculum
- Prepares for dietetic professional roles
- Optional GRE submission
- Includes practical internship experiences
- Accredited dietetic internship option
- Focuses on health promotion strategies
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Concentration: Dietetic Internship - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Benedictine University's Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with a Dietetic Internship concentration is a 16-month ACEND-accredited hybrid program. It focuses on public health and community nutrition, requiring a DPD verification statement and 3.0 GPA, with GRE scores optional. The program includes hands-on rotations in clinical and food service settings, preparing students for the RDN exam and offering financial aid options.
- ACEND accredited program.
- 16-month duration.
- Hybrid learning format.
- Prepares for RDN exam.
- Public health focus.
- Requires DPD verification.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Optional GRE scores.
- Financial aid available.
- Starts in August.
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Concentration: Online Track - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Online Track of Benedictine University's Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is a fully online program emphasizing flexibility for working professionals. It requires a 3.00 GPA, with GRE scores optional, and covers topics like obesity prevention and complementary therapies without a thesis. Designed for completion in about two years, it supports evidence-based practice and diverse career paths in nutrition.
- Fully online format
- No thesis required
- Flexible scheduling
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Minimum 3.00 GPA required
- GRE scores optional
- Completion in about two years
- Interactive coursework
- Focus on obesity prevention
Dominican University
River Forest, IL - Private 4-year - dom.edu
Bachelor's - Nutrition and Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Dominican University's Nutrition and Dietetics program is a STEM-designated, ACEND-accredited campus-based program in River Forest, IL, offering a strong science foundation and focus on cultural competence. It prepares students for careers as registered dietitians in clinical, corporate, or research settings, with eligibility for dietetic internships. A bachelor's degree is required for admission, and from 2024, a master's is needed for RDN credentialing. No entrance exam is mentioned for this bachelor's-level program.
- STEM-designated program.
- ACEND-accredited.
- Focus on cultural competence.
- Prepares for RDN credential.
- Diverse career opportunities.
- Strong science foundation.
- Options for graduate studies.
- Campus-based program.
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition with Coordinated Program in Dietetics
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Dominican University's Master of Science in Nutrition with Coordinated Program in Dietetics is a hybrid program combining online coursework with over 1,000 hours of supervised practice rotations within 50 miles of campus. It focuses on public health or clinical nutrition, preparing students for the RD exam and Illinois licensure. Accredited by ACEND, it requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, with transcript evaluations for prerequisites. No entrance exam is mentioned for this master's-level program.
- Hybrid program format
- 1,000+ supervised practice hours
- Prepares for RD exam
- ACEND accredited
- Bachelor's degree required
- Online coursework available
- Local supervised practice rotations
- Focus on public health/clinical nutrition
- Illinois licensure preparation
- Transcript evaluation for prerequisites
Master's - Master of Science in Nutrition
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Dominican University's Master of Science in Nutrition is a hybrid program emphasizing community nutrition, evidence-based practices, and leadership skills, aligning with CDR requirements for a master's degree for RD credentialing. It includes hands-on research and engagement with diverse populations to prepare for the RD exam. Designed for career advancement in dietetics, it requires a bachelor's degree, with no entrance exam mentioned for this master's-level program.
- Hybrid program format
- Focus on community nutrition
- Hands-on research opportunities
- Prepares for RD exam
- Leadership skills development
- Evidence-based practices
- Diverse population engagement
- Aligns with CDR requirements
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - iit.edu
Master's - Nutrition Science
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Nutrition Science at Illinois Institute of Technology provides a multidisciplinary education that integrates human physiology, technology, and regulatory science. Students gain hands-on clinical research experience, preparing them for careers in food, biotech, public health, and preventative healthcare, or for advanced professional studies. This on-campus program requires a 3.0 GPA and TOEFL scores for international applicants, but does not mandate the GRE or other entrance exams, making it accessible for those focused on addressing modern health challenges.
- Master's degree program
- On-campus learning
- F-1 Visa compliant
- Multidisciplinary curriculum
- Clinical research experience
- Prepares for diverse careers
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- TOEFL scores needed
- Focus on health and wellness
- Addresses contemporary issues
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL - Public 4-Year - uic.edu
Master's - MS in Nutrition
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Illinois Chicago's MS in Nutrition program provides advanced education on nutrient-health relationships, preparing students for careers in community healthcare, private practice, or research. It focuses on preventing nutrition-related diseases, food composition, energy needs, and behavior change psychology, tailored to individual health goals. This master's level program may require an entrance exam such as the GRE, but specifics should be verified with the university for admission requirements.
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for diverse practice settings.
- Focus on nutrition-related diseases.
- Advanced nutrient-health relationship studies.
- Ideal for career starters and RDs.
- Emphasizes behavior change psychology.
- Strong foundation for PhD pursuit.
- Expertise in food composition.
- Understanding of energy needs.
- Tailored to individual health goals.
Master's - MS in Nutrition Coordinated Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
UIC's MS in Nutrition Coordinated Program is a full-time, on-campus offering that integrates classroom learning with supervised practice over 2.5-3 years, requiring 36 credits. It prepares students for the RD exam through rotations in diverse settings, emphasizing nutrition science, community nutrition, and dietary counseling. As a master's level program, an entrance exam like the GRE might be required; check with the institution for details.
- Full-time, in-person program.
- 36 credits required.
- Supervised practice included.
- Prepares for RD exam.
- Diverse rotation sites.
- Advanced nutrition science courses.
- Focus on community nutrition.
- Hands-on dietary counseling.
- Accredited by ACEND.
- Eligible for state licensure.
Master's - MS in Nutrition Traditional Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Traditional MS in Nutrition at UIC allows for a personalized path with 36 graduate credits, including a master's project, and covers advanced topics like microbiome and nutrigenomics. It supports Registered Dietitians in meeting new degree requirements for exam eligibility and is ideal for research or further studies. For this master's program, an entrance exam such as the GRE could be necessary; confirm with the university.
- Personalized coursework path.
- 36 graduate-level credits required.
- Includes a master's project.
- For Registered Dietitians and researchers.
- Advanced nutrition topics covered.
- No required classes, advisor-guided.
- 500-level HN rubric classes needed.
- Project can span multiple semesters.
- No committee review for project.
- Supports PhD, MD, or health degrees pursuit.
William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, IL - Public 2-Year - harpercollege.edu
Associate - Nutrition Associate Degree
Campus Based - Visit Website
William Rainey Harper College offers a campus-based Nutrition Associate Degree, ideal for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution for a bachelor's in nutrition or dietetics. The program provides a strong foundation in nutrition principles, preparing graduates for roles in hospitals, schools, and public health. Admission follows general college requirements, with no specific entrance exam needed for this associate level. Emphasizing transferability, it includes options like the Scholars Program and faculty support for academic planning. Costs vary by residency, and career paths include nutritionist or dietitian positions.
- Associate in Science degree
- Prepares for transfer
- Focus on nutrition and dietetics
- Campus-based program
- Career opportunities in diverse settings
- Scholars Program available
- Contact advisor for course planning
- Multicultural Scholars Program option
- Faculty support available
- Transfer information provided
Triton College
River Grove, IL - Public 2-Year - triton.edu
Associate - Pre-Profession Nutrition/Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Triton College's Pre-Profession Nutrition/Dietetics program offers an Associate of Science degree, ideal for students aiming to become registered dietitian nutritionists. It focuses on nutrition basics, disease management through diet, and food industry careers, with seamless transfer to Illinois universities via the Illinois Articulation Initiative. Personalized advising and a supportive transfer center enhance student success. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level preparation program, making it accessible for those passionate about health education and wellness coordination.
- Associate of Science degree
- Seamless transfer to Illinois universities
- Personalized academic advising
- Illinois Articulation Initiative participant
- Career opportunities in dietetics
- Focus on nutrition and disease management
- Supportive transfer center
- Prepares for registered dietitian nutritionist
- Covers food industry careers
- General education courses transfer easily
2026 Most Affordable Nutrition Programs in Chicago
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Benedictine University |
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| Dominican University |
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| William Rainey Harper College |
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Choosing the Right School
Program Type and Pathway
Your first decision is the type of degree you need. Some programs are for transferring, while others prepare you directly for a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Undergraduate and Graduate Options: Benedictine University and Dominican University offer bachelor’s and master’s degree options, providing a direct path to the new RDN credentialing requirement.
Master’s Degrees for RDNs: Benedictine, Dominican, and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) all offer Master of Science programs specifically designed to meet the upcoming requirement for RDN exam eligibility.
Transfer Programs: If you’re starting your education at the associate level, William Rainey Harper College and Triton College have programs specifically designed to transfer seamlessly to a four-year university.
Specializations and Curriculum
Each program has a unique curriculum focus, from community health to advanced research.
Clinical and Public Health Focus: Both Benedictine and Dominican University emphasize practical skills in medical nutrition therapy and community health. Dominican specifically highlights its focus on cultural competence.
Research and Advanced Topics: For those interested in a research-oriented career, the University of Illinois Chicago’s Traditional MS program allows for a personalized path to explore advanced topics like the microbiome and nutrigenomics. Illinois Institute of Technology also offers a multidisciplinary program with a focus on clinical research.
Career-Focused Foundations: Harper College and Triton College provide a solid foundation in nutrition, preparing students for careers in fields like health education and wellness coordination.
Learning Format and Flexibility
The mode of delivery can be a crucial factor, especially for working professionals.
Campus-Based Programs: The University of Illinois Chicago’s Coordinated Program is a full-time, on-campus program that requires in-person attendance for its supervised rotations. IIT’s program is also primarily on-campus.
Hybrid and Online Options: Benedictine University and Dominican University offer master’s programs with a hybrid format, blending online coursework with in-person or local supervised practice rotations. Benedictine even has a fully online track with no thesis requirement, catering to students who need maximum flexibility.
Cost and Accreditation
Tuition and accreditation are major factors in a program’s value.
Accreditation: All the RDN-pathway programs mentioned—Benedictine University, Dominican University, and the University of Illinois Chicago—are ACEND-accredited, a critical designation for eligibility to take the RDN exam.
Tuition Costs: The public institutions like the University of Illinois Chicago offer a more affordable graduate-level option for in-state residents, while private universities like Benedictine and Dominican have higher estimated costs.
Admissions Requirements: Most programs require a strong academic record, with Benedictine and IIT specifying a 3.0 GPA. Be aware that most RDN programs also require a DPD verification statement for admission, so you’ll need to have completed specific prerequisite coursework.