North Dakota offers a limited but strong selection of nutrition programs, primarily at the bachelor’s level from its two public universities: NDSU and UND. The annual undergraduate tuition for in-state students is quite affordable, with estimated costs ranging from $8,700 to $13,100.
Both institutions offer a comprehensive four-year bachelor’s degree that provides a solid foundation for those interested in a career in nutrition.
2026 Best Nutrition Degree Programs in North Dakota
North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND - Public 4-Year - ndsu.edu
Bachelor's - Nutrition Science
Campus Based - Visit Website
North Dakota State University's Nutrition Science program offers a BS or an accelerated BS/MS track, preparing students for careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists or advanced health studies. With a strong evidence-based curriculum and flexible course options, it includes early-entry courses for high schoolers and a long history in nutrition education. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's-level program, making it accessible for aspiring professionals.
- Two tracks available
- BS/MS Accelerated Program
- Four-year BS option
- Prepares for RDN credential
- Early-entry courses for high schoolers
- Flexible course options
- Pathway to health professions
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Long-standing nutrition education history
- Career opportunities in healthcare
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - Public 4-Year - und.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition is a campus-based program requiring 120 credits, designed to prepare students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists. Admission necessitates a high school GPA of 3.5 for early assurance or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for standard entry, and it requires an ACT or SAT exam. The curriculum includes courses in nutrition assessment, medical nutrition therapy, and community nutrition, emphasizing a strong science foundation. This program offers financial aid and is military-friendly, focusing on practical skills for dietetics without a specified concentration.
- 120 credit hours required.
- Campus-based program.
- Early assurance GPA 3.5.
- Standard admission GPA 3.0.
- Courses in nutrition assessment.
- Medical nutrition therapy included.
- Community nutrition focus.
- Strong science foundation.
- Prepares for dietetics careers.
- Financial aid available.
2026 Most Affordable Nutrition Programs in ND
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota |
|
|
| North Dakota State University |
|
|
Programs by City - Associate, Bachelors, Masters
Fargo, ND
North Dakota State University
- Bachelor's - Nutrition Science
Campus Based - Website
- Two tracks available
- BS/MS Accelerated Program
- Four-year BS option
- Prepares for RDN credential
- Early-entry courses for high schoolers
- Flexible course options
- Pathway to health professions
- Evidence-based curriculum
Grand Forks, ND
University of North Dakota
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
Campus Based - Website
- 120 credit hours required.
- Campus-based program.
- Early assurance GPA 3.5.
- Standard admission GPA 3.0.
- Courses in nutrition assessment.
- Medical nutrition therapy included.
- Community nutrition focus.
- Strong science foundation.
How to Choose the Best Program for You
Quick Selection Guide
Choose University of North Dakota for comprehensive dietitian preparation and high admission standards.
UND offers specialized Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition (120 credits) designed specifically for aspiring registered dietitian nutritionists, featuring competitive admission standards (3.5 GPA early assurance, 3.0 standard), comprehensive curriculum in nutrition assessment and medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition focus, strong science foundation, campus-based learning in Grand Forks, and dedicated preparation for dietetics careers with financial aid support.
Select North Dakota State University for program flexibility and accelerated pathways.
NDSU provides strategic advantages through dual program options (BS and accelerated BS/MS), evidence-based curriculum reflecting extensive nutrition education history, early-entry courses for high school students, flexible course scheduling, preparation for RDN credential and health professions, comprehensive career opportunities in healthcare, and campus-based learning in Fargo with pathway optimization for diverse academic and professional goals.
Types of Programs
Bachelor’s Level Professional Preparation
University of North Dakota: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition (120 credits) providing comprehensive registered dietitian nutritionist preparation through rigorous science foundation, specialized nutrition assessment training, medical nutrition therapy expertise, community nutrition focus, and competitive admission standards ensuring academic excellence.
North Dakota State University: Flexible Nutrition Science programs offering:
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science (four-year traditional pathway)
- Accelerated BS/MS option (combined degree completion for advanced preparation)
- Early-entry courses accommodating high school students
- Evidence-based curriculum with RDN credential preparation
Admission and Requirements
Academic Performance Standards
- University of North Dakota: Competitive admission requiring 3.5 GPA for early assurance or 3.0 cumulative GPA for standard admission
- North Dakota State University: Standard university admission with ACT/SAT requirement and flexible pathway options
Professional Prerequisites
Both programs require:
- Strong science foundation preparation
- ACT/SAT standardized testing
- Commitment to nutrition and dietetics career pathways
- Academic excellence in prerequisite coursework
Learning Formats and Flexibility
University of North Dakota: Traditional campus-based program in Grand Forks with comprehensive 120-credit curriculum and structured dietetics preparation pathway.
North Dakota State University: Flexible program options in Fargo including traditional four-year BS, accelerated BS/MS pathway, early-entry opportunities for high school students, and evidence-based curriculum design.
Career Preparation
University of North Dakota: Specialized preparation for registered dietitian nutritionist careers through medical nutrition therapy, nutrition assessment, community nutrition, and comprehensive dietetics foundation.
North Dakota State University: Diverse preparation for RDN credential, health professions advancement, healthcare career opportunities, and graduate study through flexible program pathways and evidence-based curriculum.
Program Selection Strategy
For Focused Dietitian Preparation with High Standards
University of North Dakota provides specialized RDN preparation through comprehensive Human Nutrition curriculum, competitive admission standards, medical nutrition therapy focus, and dedicated dietetics career preparation.
For Flexibility and Accelerated Options
North Dakota State University offers optimal pathway variety through BS/MS acceleration, early-entry opportunities, flexible scheduling, evidence-based curriculum, and diverse health professions preparation.
Both North Dakota institutions provide quality nutrition education with distinct advantages: UND for specialized dietitian focus and competitive standards, NDSU for program flexibility and accelerated pathways. Students should choose based on their preference for specialized preparation versus flexible options and their readiness for competitive admission standards.