The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025

The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Only a select number of accredited online college programs offer Doctor of Clinical Nutrition degrees. However, a number of graduate schools do offer relevant online nutrition and dietetics programs.
  • The cost of a doctorate in clinical nutrition program varies, but on average, affordable doctorates cost around $40,000.
  • State of residency, per credit hour cost, technological, and membership fees are some of the factors that affect a nutrition program’s total tuition fee.

Top 10 Affordable Online PhD in Clinical Nutrition Degree Programs in 2025

  1. Rutgers University
    +1
  2. University of Kansas
    +3
  3. Oregon State University
    +6
  4. Texas Tech University
    +4
  5. Florida International University
    +2
  6. Fairfield University
    +4
  7. University of North Florida
    –4
  8. Saybrook University
    –4
  9. University of Western States
    –3
  10. Maryland University of Integrative Health
    –9

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

Rutgers University, the University of Kansas, and Oregon State University moved into the top 3 positions in our 2025 ranking of the most affordable online doctorate degree programs in clinical nutrition.

Rutgers has increased access to financial aid option and payment plans for 2025 that are specifically geared towards online students. The school has also expanded its virtual learning platform. These improvements helped Rutgers move into the top spot this year.

Similarly, the University of Kansas introduced more affordable tuition rates and new scholarships and financial aid options that are specifically tailored for online students. The school has also upgraded their learning platform.

The doctorate in clinical nutrition is required to become a certified nutrition specialist in a clinical setting. Certified clinical nutrition and dietetics professionals play a central role in public health and wellness.

Clinical nutrition students will earn valuable credentials and qualifications in areas like community nutrition, sports nutrition, nutrition science, nutrition counseling, and more. Some graduate students even go on to innovate in the area of food and nutrition entrepreneurship.

However you choose to apply this doctorate in food science, you’ll have plenty of exciting professional opportunities. Federal reports indicate that positions for Dietitians and Nutritionists are among the fastest-growing in the market, with an expected growth of 7 percent from 2021 to 2031. As a result, there’s increasing popularity and demand for clinical nutritionists who pass the Clinical Nutrition Certification board exam.

However, many health sciences professionals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree may already be working in the field. For this reason, a growing number of schools now offer 100% online and hybrid learning format options for those interested in advancing their careers as clinical nutritionists.

Many of these online programs are also geared toward those with specializations like medical nutrition therapy, public health nutrition, nutrition research, and nutrition sciences. If you’ve already earned an affordable master’s degree in nutrition and gained some experience in the field, it’s time to take a leap and enroll in an affordable online doctorate in clinical nutrition program.



Featured Programs

10 Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorates

  1. #1

    Rutgers University

    #1 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs 2025 #1 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025 #3 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
    Other Rankings
    What is Rutgers University known for?

    Rutgers University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Rutgers University is a statewide academic health leader as well as a powerhouse in the fields of research, health, and education. At Rutgers, students seeking undergraduate degrees, professional studies, graduate degrees, graduate medical education, and postdoctoral education are served by 29 schools and institutions. One of the schools is the Rutgers School of Health Professions, which provides both instruction and individualized patient treatment. The School of Health Professions is recognized as a leader in developing dynamic, holistic healthcare practitioners.

    Rutgers Schools of Health Professions offers an affordable online Doctor of Clinical Nutrition designed for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN). While coursework can be completed via web learning, online students must attend three or more on-campus visits and face-to-face virtual meetings to collaborate with peers and faculty. Students will complete didactic classes, an advanced clinical nutrition practice residency, and both a practice-based project and a research based project.

    • Required Credits: 50
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Hybrid

    What we love about Rutgers University

    All of the instructors are engaging, willing to help, and highly knowledgeable in their subject areas.

    Rutgers University is great for students who:

    Can strike a balance between studies and parties because Rutgers offers plenty of opportunity for both.

    Rutgers might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to study in a small and quiet campus.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Kansas

    Lawrence , KS
    #8 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Kansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/24

    What is University of Kansas known for?

    University of Kansas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Kansas is one of only 65 US institutions affiliated with the Association of American Universities (AAU). The University of Kansas is frequently recognized as a top research university and receives consistently high academic rankings in numerous disciplines. As a school that focuses on helping students achieve their educational goals without breaking the bank, the University of Kansas has extended its campus to online learning with flexible 8-week and 16-week formats. Additionally, the university spends an average of $292.6 million per year on externally funded research.

    University of Kansas’s online Doctor of Clinical Nutrition is one of the cheapest doctorates in the US, costing only $421.15 per credit hour.

    This DCN is only open for applicants with RDN licensure and a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in clinical nutrition or other nutrition-related graduate degrees. This program is geared toward improving evidence-based practice and helping advanced practitioners develop critical research skills.

    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 2.5 years
    • Format: Online

    What we love about the University of Kansas

    The University’s community is its strongest suit. There’s a place for everybody on this campus, whether you involve yourself in athletics, academics, or cultural groups. Due to the numerous organizations and groups at the University of Kansas, students will never have a dull moment.

    The University of Kansas is great for students who:

    Are interested in working with a faculty mentor on research.

    The University of Kansas might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not accepting of diversity because the University of Kansas is one of the most diverse institutions in the Midwest.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Oregon State University

    Corvallis , OR
    #15 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Best Grad Schools in Oregon 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Oregon 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Oregon 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    40K

    What is Oregon State University known for?

    Oregon State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Oregon State University is a big campus with a thriving social scene and over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree options. The school focuses on research and has access to more funding than students at any other public university in Oregon, allowing undergraduates to conduct research in a wide range of fields. Additionally, OSU is one of just two land-, sea-, space- and sun-grant universities in the country.

    Oregon State University’s PhD in Nutrition is one of the most affordable hybrid nutrition PhDs available, and combines research with coursework to prepare students for career opportunities in clinical nutrition. Students can choose elective courses in epidemiology or exercise science. Additionally, PhD students can take advanced courses in biochemistry and physics as well as molecular and cell biology.

    • Required Credits: 59-62
    • Completion time: 5 years
    • Format: Hybrid

    What we love about Oregon State University

    OSU’s reputation for academic excellence and affordability. On top of being a land-, sea-, space- and sun-grant university, it is the only university in Oregon to earn Community Engagement classification and the top accreditation for research universities from the Carnegie Foundation.

    Oregon State University is great for students who:

    Thrive in large campuses and class sizes.

    Oregon State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a college in a large town.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Texas Tech University

    Lubbock , TX
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    What is Texas Tech University known for?

    Texas Tech University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Texas Tech University is classified as an R1: Doctoral University for its very high level of research. Due to its affordability, Texas Tech is one of the best universities in terms of return on investment. Every student benefits significantly from the university’s influential alumni, cutting-edge facilities, and over 460 student organizations.

    Texas Tech’s PhD in Nutritional Sciences is one of the most affordable and flexible online doctoral degrees. While the program is provided in a hybrid format, students can decide how many credit hours they’ll enroll in each semester. This nutritional science PhD has been praised for the faculty’s publishing works, which appear in many journals covering clinical nutrition, gerontology, sports nutrition, applied physiology, and biology.

    Students can combine nutrition education and food science with other fields in the College of Human Sciences, such as obesity, addiction, human development, and education.

    • Required Credits: 72
    • Completion time: 5 years
    • Format: Hybrid

    What we love about Texas Tech University

    Texas Tech provides fantastic scholarships for those that excelled academically in high school. Tech also provides big-city opportunities with a small-town atmosphere.

    Texas Tech University is great for students who:

    Are well-rounded with a strong sense of school pride.

    Texas Tech University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are very conservative and are not welcoming of diversity.

    Compare school

  6. #5

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    What is Florida International University known for?

    Florida International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Florida International University is a top-tier school known to be one of the best universities for research and development. By addressing some of the day’s most pressing scientific issues, FIU has established itself as one of South Florida’s cornerstone institutions over the past 50 years.

    FIU’s online PhD in Dietetics & Nutrition charges students $4,101 per semester in tuition, making it one of the most affordable PhDs. Core courses can be completed online, with approval from the school. Some elective courses are taken on-campus to allow students to work beside FIU’s prominent educators, researchers, and practitioners.

    In addition to coursework and dissertation, students must participate in various career and research development seminars, colloquium presentations, and workshops. These activities will boost what they’ve learned throughout the PhD program and help them build a professional network.

    • Required Credits: 55
    • Completion time: 5 years
    • Format: Hybrid

    What we love about Florida International University

    The various student bodies this university attracts, along with its commitment to innovation and its strategic focus on the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, set it apart from other universities.

    Florida International University is great for students who:

    Thrive in diversity and can complete rigorous coursework in a very competitive environment.

    Florida International University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Expect to receive personalized attention from a small college with a low student-to-faculty ratio.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Fairfield University

    Fairfield , CT
    #17 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/29

    What is Fairfield University known for?

    Fairfield University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Fairfield University is one of the country’s smallest but most progressive universities and has graduated skilled, talented, and socially conscious leaders. Fairfield offers a setting where the education is more in-depth, the relationships are more profound, and the experiences are retained long after graduation. Fairfield provides students with chances for professional growth and experience-based learning that will give them a competitive edge in today’s labor market.

    Students interested in an affordable on-campus doctorate should consider Fairfield’s traditional Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition, which accepts applicants who haven’t yet earned their RDN licenses. The program is among the cheapest traditional doctorate programs, costing only $1,090 per credit hour. Graduates of the program qualify to sit for the credentialing exam given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

    • Required Credits: 71
    • Completion time: 3-4 years
    • Format: On campus

    What we love about Fairfield University

    Fairfield University has an extremely tight-knit community, offering a strong and accepting environment that makes everyone feel at home.

    Fairfield University is great for students who:

    Find a small community in the suburbs fun and exciting.

    Fairfield University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want to have more diversity in the classroom.

    Compare school

  9. #7

    University of North Florida

    Jacksonville , FL
    #13 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/21

    What is University of North Florida known for?

    University of North Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of North Florida is one of the 12 public universities in the State University System of Florida. UNF consistently earns high marks for both quality and value. The University has received various honors, including the Carnegie Foundation’s renowned Community Engagement Classification, which is held by just 5% of US universities.

    The Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition is an $852.53 per credit hour advanced practice degree program designed to help registered dietitians achieve their professional and academic goals. This degree program focuses on assisting RDNs in developing progressive leadership, research, and practice skills.

    The doctor of nutrition online degree combines online coursework with advanced practice residency. Students also earn access to the school’s unique applied scholarship for RDNs seeking leadership roles in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, or post-secondary education.

    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: Online
    • Format: Online

    What we love about the University of North Florida

    Cultural diversity is one of the things to love at UNF. Many students praise the accepting environment at UNF, noting that there is an active LGBTQ+ community and that students are welcoming to people of all backgrounds.

    The University of North Florida is great for students who:

    Want to have high-quality education on a small campus.

    The University of North Florida might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a huge campus and lecture-style classes.

    Compare school
  10. #8

    Saybrook University

    Pasadena , CA
    #8 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates) #9 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025 #10 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs) #11 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs

    Student body

    1K

    What is Saybrook University known for?

    Saybrook University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Saybrook University offers a community profoundly entrenched in humanistic tradition and committed to assisting students in realizing their greatest potential. Saybrook University provides an MA degree and a doctoral degree via distance learning. Saybrook University offers challenging graduate education experiences and encourages transformative change in people, groups, and communities with the goal of creating a more just, compassionate, and sustainable society.

    One of Saybrook’s top online doctorates is the Integrative and Functional Nutrition PhD, which costs $1,349 per credit. This degree program looks at environmental effects, genetic predisposition, physiological and psychological reasons for disease, and the implications of basic dietary recommendations. The degree program also incorporates digestive health science and examines the underlying causes of nutritional imbalance.

    This degree was designed to help current nutrition and health professionals stand out in a crowded field, complement the skill set of non-nutrition health care practitioners, or open doors for experts from non-scientific backgrounds to enter the field. The degree program is also intended to satisfy the primary academic prerequisites for the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board’s (CCNB) Certified Clinical Nutritionist credential (CCN).

    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years
    • Format: Online

    What we love about Saybrook University

    Saybrook sincerely cares about bringing together the local community and creating a sense of belonging. Students are encouraged to become problem solvers inside and outside their fields.

    Saybrook University is great for students who:

    Want to have individualized attention and personalized degree programs.

    Saybrook University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Do not want to become part of a tight-knit community.

    Compare school

  12. #9

    University of Western States

    Portland , OR
    #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Oregon 2024 #10 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025 #19 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2025

    Student body

    2K

    What is University of Western States known for?

    University of Western States’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    The University of Western States is the second-oldest chiropractic teaching program in the world and has been a pioneer in fusing science and health. UWS takes pride in offering a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum that helps students gain the knowledge and skills required to evaluate patient-clients.

    Recognizing the need for clinical nutrition professionals, the University of Western States offers an affordable $687 per credit hour online Doctor of Clinical Nutrition.

    This degree was designed to help nutrition practitioners gain advanced training to assess and manage patient-clients experiencing complex chronic illnesses. Students will learn to promote wellness through optimal diet and lifestyle. Graduates will be able to use proper techniques for patient/client evaluation, provide a holistic diet, and use a cooperative method for clinical nutrition care.

    • Required Credits: 65
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online

    What we love about the University of Western States

    UWS is primarily known for their evidence-based instruction and fantastic campus. The university makes sure that students also have many options for community involvement.

    The University of Western States is great for students who:

    Appreciate small towns, the outdoors, and are incredibly driven.

    The University of Western States might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for a party atmosphere.

    Compare school
  13. #10

    Maryland University of Integrative Health

    Laurel , MD
    #11 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025 #15 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025

    Student body

    1K

    What is Maryland University of Integrative Health known for?

    Maryland University of Integrative Health’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    One of the country’s top academic centers for integrative health is the Maryland University of Integrative Health. MUIH gives students access to cutting-edge clinical teaching models, collaborations with influential professors, and opportunities for exciting, independent research.

    MUIH’s online Doctor of Clinical Nutrition costs $1039 per credit hour and is among the most affordable and popular online clinical nutrition degrees. Graduate students learn about functional nutrition through a holistic framework and an emphasis on both individualized nutrition and the biochemical and physiological explanations for nutrition disorders. The program includes courses that will prepare students to become proficient clinical nutritionists.

    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 2.5 years
    • Format: Online

    What we love about Maryland University and Integrative Health

    More than 20,000 clinical treatments and consultations are provided annually by student interns and licensed practitioners at the MUIH’s on-campus Natural Care Center and in outreach programs for the local community.

    Maryland University and Integrative Health is great for students who:

    Want a holistic approach to earning their degree and enjoy a tight-knit community campus where everyone knows everyone.

    Maryland University and Integrative Health might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want a diverse learning environment and a party-school atmosphere.

    Compare school
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The Cost of a Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition

According to recent data from NCES, the average tuition fee for a graduate degree at private universities is $26,597, and $11,673 at public universities.

However, the total cost of a clinical nutrition degree varies based on the university, particularly for in-state and out-of-state students, just like any other degree.

Tuition at colleges is frequently assessed per credit. At public universities, per-credit costs can be as low as $300, while at private universities, they can be as high as $2,000.

Affordable online clinical nutrition doctorate degree programs could have a total tuition cost of $40,000. At some out-of-state institutions, online students are entitled to in-state tuition rates.

Non-Academic Costs

It’s vital to remember that PhD students who are enrolled online may pay non-academic costs that campus students do not pay. Typical non-academic costs for students enrolled in online programs may include:

Online course fees

The college must invest in designing and providing online programs. This can involve hiring new instructors, creating new content, and creating or purchasing an online platform for learning and collaboration.

Extra technology fees

Technology fees are occasionally included in the aforementioned online course fees but can also be a separate line item. These fee typically encompass the online learning platform and any additional technology required to run online courses and programs.

Membership fees

Some online degree programs will charge online students membership fees to some dietetics and nutrition organizations, such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. These costs may seem unnecessary to some, but these organizations will help you grow professionally and give you many valuable networking opportunities.

Indirect Expenses

In addition to the above-mentioned direct costs, students should also consider indirect expenses, such as transportation for on-campus requirements. When enrolling in classes for the first time, some universities require all students to attend an in-person orientation program, regardless of how they intend to study.

Some colleges may also require students to travel to the school. Most commonly, graduate schools will require students enrolled in their online master’s or doctorate programs to attend a week-long residential program at the end of one or more multiple academic calendar years.

Before enrolling in any online program, be sure you are fully aware of any travel or residential requirements.

Financial Aid

PhD students may be eligible for financial aid, scholarships, and grant or fellowship opportunities. In fact, depending on the nature of your online PhD program, your graduate school may even offer full tuition coverage in addition to coverage for housing, research, and even a cost-of-living stipend. Make sure you learn everything you can about your financial aid options before committing to a school.


Admission Requirements for Online Clinical Doctorates

  • Candidates for admission to clinical nutrition or similar nutrition programs must be Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs).
  • International candidates must possess a qualification that satisfies US criteria as determined by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
  • Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in clinical nutrition or nutritional sciences program, or a field relevant to health sciences and nutrition (with a minimum GPA of 3.4).
  • Candidates must be clinical RDNs with at least three years of nutrition and food systems experience.

Required Admissions Materials for Online Doctoral Candidates

  • Transcripts from the highest degree earned.
  • RDN Commission on Dietetic Registration Number (if required by the university)
  • Resume or CV
  • A letter of intent
  • Letters of recommendation
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