Maryland’s Diverse Nutrition Education Landscape

Maryland offers exceptional variety and value in nutrition education, with programs ranging from $6,400 to $25,600 annually depending on residency status and institution type. Students can choose from 2-year associate degree transfer programs, 4-year bachelor’s degrees, and 1-2 year master’s programs, creating flexible pathways to match any timeline and budget.

Average Program Costs:

• Community College (2 years): $13,000-$27,200 total
• Public University Bachelor’s (4 years): $26,000-$102,400 total
• Graduate Programs (1-2 years): $12,800-$32,400 total

Typical Completion Times:

• Associate Degree: 2 years
• Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
• Master’s Degree: 1-2 years
• Combined Associate + Bachelor’s: 4 years total

Maryland’s public institutions provide some of the nation’s most affordable nutrition education, with particular value in HBCU programs and community college transfer pathways. Whether you’re seeking the most economical route through community college, proven dietetic success at an HBCU, flagship university prestige, or advanced clinical training, Maryland’s institutions offer quality education at accessible price points.

2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in Maryland

Looking for the best nutrition degree programs in Maryland? nutritiondegrees.org has carefully ranked top schools to help you find the perfect fit for your career goals. Our rankings are based on thorough research and criteria, ensuring you get reliable information. For details on how we evaluate programs, check out our methodology at https://www.nutritiondegrees.org/about-us/#ranking. Start your journey in nutrition with confidence, knowing you're choosing from the best options available.

#1

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD - Public 4-Year - umd.edu

Bachelor's - Nutrition and Food Science

Concentration: Nutritional Science - Campus Based - Visit Website

The Nutritional Science program at the University of Maryland-College Park explores the biological and physiological roles of nutrients, preparing students for careers in research and healthcare. It meets premedical requirements, making it ideal for those aiming for medical or dental school. The Bachelor of Science degree includes a campus-based curriculum focused on real-world applications in global health systems. Entrance exams such as ACT or SAT are typically required for admission.

• Focus on physiological aspects.
• Prepares for graduate study.
• Meets premedical requirements.
• Campus-based program.
• Bachelor of Science degree.

Bachelor's - Nutrition and Food Science

Concentration: Food Science - Campus Based - Visit Website

Focusing on Food Science, this program at the University of Maryland-College Park applies science and engineering to food safety, quality control, and product development. Graduates are prepared for roles in the global food industry and government sectors, with unique opportunities for research near agencies like USDA and FDA. The Bachelor of Science degree requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission.

• Bachelor of Science degree
• Food Science concentration
• Prepares for global food industry
• Opportunities in government sectors
• Foundation for graduate studies
• Near USDA, FDA, NIH
• Unique research opportunities
• Collaboration with federal agencies
• Food safety focus
• Quality control training

Bachelor's - Nutrition and Food Science

Concentration: Dietetics - Campus Based - Visit Website

The Dietetics concentration at the University of Maryland-College Park trains students for careers as Registered Dietitians, emphasizing clinical and community nutrition. It includes hands-on experiences and prepares for further studies in medicine or dentistry. Located near federal agencies, it offers research collaborations. The Bachelor of Science program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission.

• Focus on Dietetics concentration.
• Prepares for Registered Dietitian careers.
• Includes hands-on learning experiences.
• Located near USDA, FDA, NIH.
• Offers research opportunities.
• Prepares for medical school.
• Covers clinical and community nutrition.
• Dynamic and growing field.
• Bachelor of Science degree.
• Campus-based program.

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#2

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Princess Anne, MD - Public 4-Year - wwwcp.umes.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Human Ecology

Concentration: Clinical Nutrition - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore offers an online Master of Science in Human Ecology with a concentration in Clinical Nutrition, tailored for advancing professionals in healthcare and nutrition. This 30-credit program features flexible online coursework, thesis and non-thesis options, and an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on advanced nutrition science, therapeutic diets, and patient care strategies. It prepares graduates for roles in clinical settings, community nutrition, and research. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in a related field; no entrance exam is specified for this master's level program. Financial aid is available, with applications accepted for fall and spring semesters.

• Online program flexibility.
• 30 credits to complete.
• Thesis and non-thesis options.
• Focus on Clinical Nutrition.
• Interdisciplinary curriculum.
• Prepares for healthcare roles.
• Advanced nutrition science focus.
• Therapeutic diets covered.
• Patient care strategies included.
• Bachelor's degree required for admission.

#3

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 RD exam in 2023, focusing on dietetics preparation. It emphasizes diversity and supports under-represented minorities, offering expertise in nutrient metabolism, medical nutrition therapy, and health promotion. Graduates are eligible for dietetic internships to earn the RDN credential, with preparation for entry-level roles, graduate studies, or leadership. As a bachelor's program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams.

• 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.

#4

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, a campus-based program ideal for students planning to transfer to four-year universities. It builds a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and health sciences, aligning with transfer requirements for accredited dietetics programs at institutions like the University of Maryland. With an affordable in-county tuition rate and no separate application needed for Health Sciences, this program supports career paths as registered dietitians, where average salaries exceed $56,000 annually. No entrance exams are required for this bachelor's preparatory program.

• 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

*Based on: IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Compare programs in Baltimore

Choosing the Right School for You in Maryland

Maryland offers an exceptional variety of nutrition and dietetics programs across different educational levels and institutions, each serving unique student populations and career goals. From community college transfer programs to advanced graduate degrees, Maryland’s nutrition education landscape provides pathways for every student’s needs and circumstances.

Here’s a comprehensive analysis to help you navigate these options and select the program that best aligns with your educational background, career aspirations, and learning preferences.

Program Overview by Institution

University of Maryland-College Park (Flagship Public Research University)

• Bachelor’s in Nutrition and Food Science with three distinct concentrations:
  • Nutritional Science (medical/graduate school preparation)
  • Food Science (industry and government focus)
  • Dietetics (RDN preparation)
• Strategic location near USDA, FDA, and NIH
• Extensive research opportunities
• Traditional campus-based learning

Morgan State University (HBCU Excellence)

• Bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences
• ACEND-accredited with 100% RDN exam pass rate
• Strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion
• Comprehensive dietetic preparation
• Campus-based in Baltimore

University of Maryland Eastern Shore (HBCU Graduate Focus)

• Master’s in Human Ecology with Clinical Nutrition Concentration
• 30-credit online program
• Thesis and non-thesis options
• Advanced clinical nutrition focus
• Flexible for working professionals

Anne Arundel Community College (Transfer Pathway)

• Associate in Nutrition, Arts and Sciences Transfer
• Affordable foundation program
• Designed for seamless university transfer
• Strong science preparation
• No separate application barriers

Cost Analysis: Maryland’s Affordable Advantage

Most Affordable Options:

1. Anne Arundel Community College: $6,500-$9,800 (in-state), $9,100-$13,600 (out-of-state) annually
2. University of Maryland Eastern Shore: $6,400-$9,600 (graduate in-state), $10,800-$16,200 (graduate out-of-state) annually
3. Morgan State University: $6,500-$9,700 (in-state), $17,100-$25,600 (out-of-state) annually

University of Maryland-College Park: Pricing not specified but typically higher as the flagship campus

Maryland’s public institutions offer exceptional value, with community college and HBCU options providing particularly affordable pathways to nutrition careers.

Academic Specialization and Career Preparation

For Aspiring Registered Dietitians:

Best Options:

• Morgan State University: ACEND-accredited with proven 100% RDN exam success
• University of Maryland-College Park (Dietetics Concentration): Comprehensive RDN preparation with research opportunities

For Medical/Healthcare School Preparation:

Best Options:

• University of Maryland-College Park (Nutritional Science): Specifically designed for pre-med requirements
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore: Advanced clinical nutrition focus at graduate level

For Food Industry Careers:

Best Option:

• University of Maryland-College Park (Food Science): Direct industry preparation with federal agency connections

For Budget-Conscious Students:

Best Options:

• Anne Arundel Community College: Most affordable start with guaranteed transfer options
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore: Exceptional graduate-level value

Target Student Populations and Recommendations

Choose Anne Arundel Community College if you:

• Want the most affordable entry point into nutrition education
• Need flexible transfer options to multiple four-year institutions
• Are beginning your college journey or changing careers
• Want to complete prerequisites affordably before transferring
• Live in the Baltimore/Annapolis area
• Prefer smaller class sizes and community college support

Choose Morgan State University if you:

• Are committed to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
• Value the HBCU experience and diverse learning environment
• Want proven success (100% RDN exam pass rate)
• Seek comprehensive dietetic preparation in one program
• Appreciate emphasis on diversity and inclusion
• Prefer Baltimore location with urban opportunities

Choose University of Maryland-College Park if you:

• Want access to flagship university resources and prestige
• Are interested in research opportunities near federal agencies
• Need specialized concentrations (Food Science, Nutritional Science, or Dietetics)
• Plan to pursue graduate school or medical school
• Want extensive networking opportunities
• Prefer the comprehensive university experience

Choose University of Maryland Eastern Shore if you:

• Already hold a bachelor’s degree and want advanced clinical training
• Need online flexibility for work/family commitments
• Are interested in advanced clinical nutrition specialization
• Want affordable graduate-level education
• Prefer the HBCU experience at the graduate level
• Seek thesis or non-thesis options for degree completion

Strategic Educational Pathways

Budget-Conscious Pathway:

1. Start at Anne Arundel Community College (2 years)
2. Transfer to Morgan State University or University of Maryland-College Park (2 years)
3. Consider University of Maryland Eastern Shore for graduate work

Direct Professional Pathway:

1. Morgan State University for guaranteed RDN preparation with proven success rates

Research-Focused Pathway:

1. University of Maryland-College Park (any concentration) with extensive research opportunities

Working Professional Pathway:

1. University of Maryland Eastern Shore online master’s program for advanced clinical specialization

Geographic and Lifestyle Considerations

Campus-Based Programs:

• University of Maryland-College Park: College town with research opportunities
• Morgan State University: Urban Baltimore setting with diverse community
• Anne Arundel Community College: Suburban location between Baltimore and Annapolis

Online Option:

• University of Maryland Eastern Shore: Eliminates geographic barriers while maintaining quality education

Bottom Line Recommendations

For Maximum Affordability: Start with Anne Arundel Community College and transfer to Morgan State University for exceptional value with proven RDN success.

For Proven Dietetic Success: Choose Morgan State University for ACEND accreditation and 100% RDN exam pass rate in a supportive HBCU environment.

For Research and Prestige: Select University of Maryland-College Park for flagship university resources, federal agency connections, and multiple specialization options.

For Advanced Clinical Practice: Opt for University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s online master’s program if you already have a bachelor’s degree and want clinical nutrition specialization.

For Career Changers: Consider Anne Arundel Community College for affordable prerequisite completion, then transfer based on your specific career goals.

Maryland’s nutrition education landscape offers something for everyone, from the most budget-conscious students to those seeking prestigious research opportunities. The key is matching your current circumstances, financial situation, and career goals with the appropriate institutional pathway. All options lead to successful nutrition careers, but each serves different student populations and learning preferences exceptionally well.