New Mexico offers several nutrition programs with a range of costs and durations. An associate’s degree at Central New Mexico Community College typically takes two years and is a very affordable option, with annual in-state tuition as low as $1,500. Bachelor’s degrees at four-year universities take the standard four years to complete, with in-state undergraduate tuition ranging from approximately $6,500 to $9,800 per year.
2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in New Mexico
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM - Public 4-Year - nmsu.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Education
Campus Based - Visit Website
New Mexico State University's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Education emphasizes nutrition, health science, and instruction, preparing graduates for public health education roles. This campus-based program offers hands-on learning and affordable tuition, with standard admission requirements including ACT or SAT scores. It focuses on equipping students to promote healthy living in communities.
- Focus on nutrition education
- Prepares for public health roles
- Campus-based learning
- Affordable tuition rates
- Standard admission requirements
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Pre-Dietetics/Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Pre-Dietetics/Dietetics at New Mexico State University is ACEND-accredited, providing foundational science courses for careers in clinical and community settings. It prepares students for the dietitian credential, with future requirements for a graduate degree starting in 2024. Admission includes ACT or SAT scores, and the program is campus-based for comprehensive training.
- Accredited by ACEND
- Foundational science courses
- Prepares for dietitian credential
- Campus-based program
- Focus on clinical and community settings
- Meets future graduate degree requirement
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM - Public 4-Year - unm.edu
Bachelor's - Nutrition & Dietetics
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico-Main Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics, an ACEND-accredited program requiring a 3.2 GPA and specific prerequisites for admission, but no ACT or SAT exam is mentioned as required. It includes 37 professional nutrition and 42 science credits, focusing on human nutrition, clinical assessment, and public health to prepare students for RDN certification. Emphasizing multicultural populations, graduates are equipped for careers in healthcare, research, and community nutrition, with strong readiness for dietetic internships.
- ACEND accredited program
- 3.2 GPA admission requirement
- 37 professional nutrition credits
- 42 science course credits
- Prepares for RDN certification
- Multiple career pathway options
- Multicultural population focus
Master's - Nutrition
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of New Mexico-Main Campus provides a Master of Science in Nutrition, emphasizing clinical and public health nutrition with opportunities for assistantships and research. Admission requires a letter of intent, CV, and recommendations, but no entrance exam such as GRE is specified as required. This campus-based program focuses on advanced roles in nutrition science, community engagement, and practical applications, preparing students for enhanced expertise in the field.
- MS in Nutrition program
- Campus-based learning
- Focus on clinical and public health
- Opportunities for assistantships
- Requires letter of intent and CV
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM - Public 2-Year - cnm.edu
Associate - Nutrition
Campus Based - Visit Website
Central New Mexico Community College provides a robust Nutrition program with an Associate of Science degree and a Dietary Manager Certificate, focusing on dietetics, community health, and wellness coaching. Students explore how food influences metabolic processes and disease prevention, gaining practical skills for careers in health fields or further education. The program, part of the School of Math, Science, and Engineering, offers competitive tuition, financial aid, and flexible payment plans, making it accessible and supportive for aspiring nutrition professionals. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level program.
- Associate of Science in Nutrition.
- Dietary Manager Certificate available.
- Focus on metabolic responses to diet.
- Prepares for careers in health fields.
- Financial aid and scholarships offered.
- Pathway to four-year institutions.
- Access to student services and resources.
- Part of School of Math, Science, and Engineering.
- Competitive tuition rates.
- Flexible payment plans available.
2026 Most Affordable Nutrition Programs in NM
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State University |
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| Central New Mexico Community College |
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| University of New Mexico |
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Programs by City - Associate, Bachelors, Masters
Albuquerque, NM
Central New Mexico Community College
- Associate - Nutrition
Campus Based - Website
- Associate of Science in Nutrition.
- Dietary Manager Certificate available.
- Focus on metabolic responses to diet.
- Prepares for careers in health fields.
- Financial aid and scholarships offered.
- Pathway to four-year institutions.
- Access to student services and resources.
- Part of School of Math, Science, and Engineering.
University of New Mexico
- Bachelor's - Nutrition & Dietetics
Campus Based - Website
- ACEND accredited program
- 3.2 GPA admission requirement
- 37 professional nutrition credits
- 42 science course credits
- Prepares for RDN certification
- Multiple career pathway options
- Multicultural population focus
- Master's - Nutrition
Campus Based - Website
- MS in Nutrition program
- Campus-based learning
- Focus on clinical and public health
- Opportunities for assistantships
- Requires letter of intent and CV
Las Cruces, NM
New Mexico State University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Education
Campus Based - Website
- Focus on nutrition education
- Prepares for public health roles
- Campus-based learning
- Affordable tuition rates
- Standard admission requirements
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Pre-Dietetics/Dietetics
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by ACEND
- Foundational science courses
- Prepares for dietitian credential
- Campus-based program
- Focus on clinical and community settings
- Meets future graduate degree requirement
How to Choose the Right Program for You
Quick Selection Guide
Choose New Mexico State University for comprehensive ACEND-accredited dietetics training with exceptional affordability and dual-track specialization options.
NMSU delivers Bachelor’s in Pre-Dietetics/Dietetics (ACEND-accredited) plus Bachelor’s in Nutrition Education, combining foundational science preparation with community health focus. Outstanding value at $6,500-$9,800 in-state tuition with standard ACT/SAT admission requirements and preparation for 2024 graduate degree requirements.
Select University of New Mexico for advanced research opportunities and multicultural population expertise with comprehensive graduate pathways.
UNM provides ACEND-accredited Bachelor’s in Nutrition & Dietetics (37 professional + 42 science credits, 3.2 GPA requirement) plus Master’s in Nutrition with clinical and public health specializations. Features assistantship opportunities, research emphasis, and multicultural population focus at competitive public university rates.
Consider Central New Mexico Community College for accelerated entry and flexible transfer pathways with immediate workforce preparation.
CNM offers Associate of Science in Nutrition plus Dietary Manager Certificate, emphasizing metabolic responses and hands-on experience. Features exceptional affordability ($1,500-$2,300 in-state), flexible payment plans, and seamless transfer pathways to four-year institutions.
Types of Programs
Foundational Level
Central New Mexico Community College: Associate of Science in Nutrition featuring practical dietetics and wellness approach with Dietary Manager Certificate option. Program emphasizes metabolic responses to diet, hands-on health field preparation, and pathway integration to four-year institutions within the School of Math, Science, and Engineering framework.
Undergraduate Level
New Mexico State University: Dual bachelor’s options including ACEND-accredited Pre-Dietetics/Dietetics focusing on foundational sciences and clinical/community nutrition, plus Nutrition Education emphasizing community health initiatives and educational strategies for public health leadership roles.
University of New Mexico: Bachelor’s in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND-accredited) featuring 79 total credits (37 professional nutrition, 42 science), comprehensive curriculum covering human nutrition, clinical assessment, public health, and multicultural population specialization with RDN certification preparation.
Advanced Level
University of New Mexico: Master of Science in Nutrition tailored for nutrition science advancement, featuring clinical and public health specializations, research emphasis, community engagement focus, and assistantship opportunities without GRE requirements.
Admission Criteria
Standardized Testing Framework
New Mexico programs demonstrate consistent testing approaches:
- ACT/SAT Required: All undergraduate programs at NMSU, UNM, and CNM
- No GRE Required: UNM Master’s program with alternative assessment methods
- Progressive Requirements: Standard high school completion through advanced prerequisite coursework
Academic Performance Benchmarks
Undergraduate Standards:
- New Mexico State University: Standard admission with ACT/SAT scores
- University of New Mexico: 3.2 GPA requirement for Nutrition & Dietetics program plus prerequisite completion
- Central New Mexico Community College: Open admission with placement testing support
Graduate Expectations:
- University of New Mexico: Letter of intent, CV, recommendations, and bachelor’s degree verification
- Competitive selection with professional development emphasis
Professional Preparation Prerequisites
Advanced programs require:
- Bachelor’s degree completion with science foundation
- Professional recommendations and career goal documentation
- Research interest demonstration and community engagement evidence
- Academic transcript evaluation and prerequisite verification
Investment Analysis
Exceptional Public Education Value
Central New Mexico Community College: Outstanding affordability at $1,500-$2,300 in-state with flexible payment plans, comprehensive financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and immediate workforce entry preparation.
New Mexico State University: Superior value proposition at $6,500-$9,800 in-state undergraduate tuition, providing ACEND-accredited training and dual specialization options at exceptional public university pricing.
University of New Mexico: Competitive investment at $6,500-$9,700 undergraduate and $5,900-$8,900 graduate in-state tuition, featuring research opportunities, assistantship support, and comprehensive multicultural expertise development.
Return on Investment
New Mexico programs demonstrate strong career advancement potential:
- ACEND accreditation ensuring professional credibility and RDN eligibility
- 2024 graduate degree requirement compliance for evolving field standards
- Diverse employment opportunities across healthcare, research, and community sectors
- Regional healthcare market providing extensive local and national career pathways
Program Formats
Traditional Campus-Based
All New Mexico institutions feature comprehensive campus-based learning with:
- Hands-on laboratory experiences and practical skill development
- Direct faculty mentorship and program coordinator guidance
- Real-world internship and clinical experience integration
- Student services access and professional development support
Accelerated Pathway Options
Central New Mexico Community College: Efficient associate degree completion with immediate transfer capability University of New Mexico: Streamlined bachelor’s-to-master’s progression with assistantship integration New Mexico State University: Dual bachelor’s track options for specialized career preparation
Career Specialization
Clinical Dietetics and Healthcare Integration
University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University: ACEND-accredited preparation featuring comprehensive clinical training, RDN exam readiness, and healthcare system integration with multicultural competency development.
Community Health and Education Leadership
New Mexico State University: Specialized Nutrition Education track emphasizing community health initiatives, public health program development, and educational strategy implementation for population wellness promotion.
Research and Advanced Practice
University of New Mexico: Master’s program focusing on nutrition science advancement, research methodology, clinical and public health specializations, and evidence-based practice development with assistantship research experience.
Workforce Development and Management
Central New Mexico Community College: Dietary Manager Certificate preparation emphasizing immediate workforce entry, metabolic response expertise, and health field career foundation with transfer pathway flexibility.