Nutrition Sciences.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Nutrition Sciences.: The DTI for this program is 68.0%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Nutrition Sciences., compare your expected starting salary (currently $33647) to the average debt ($22881) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Nutrition Sciences.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 68.0%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Nutrition Sciences., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($33647) against the typical student debt ($22881), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Nutrition Sciences. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $33647, and with an average debt of $22881, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.68—which is about average for college grads.
This program sees about 5514 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Nutrition Sciences. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Nutrition Sciences (CIP 30.1901) is an interdisciplinary field focused on how food, nutrients, and dietary patterns affect human health, performance, and disease prevention. It examines nutrition at multiple levels—from molecular and cellular processes to individual behavior and population health. This degree is designed for students who want a science-based understanding of how what we eat influences growth, metabolism, immunity, and long-term well-being.
For a degree search site, Nutrition Sciences appeals to students interested in health, wellness, medicine, fitness, public health, and research. It is especially relevant for those who want to work in healthcare settings, pursue graduate or professional school, or contribute to evidence-based nutrition guidance rather than fad diets or trends. The field emphasizes biochemistry, physiology, and data-driven decision-making as the foundation of nutrition practice.
What Is a Nutrition Sciences Degree?
A Nutrition Sciences degree is a scientific program that studies the relationship between diet and health. Unlike applied or culinary nutrition programs, this degree focuses heavily on the biological and chemical mechanisms that govern how nutrients are digested, absorbed, transported, and utilized by the body.
Universities offer Nutrition Sciences programs to:
- Build a strong scientific foundation in human nutrition
- Prepare students for graduate study in nutrition, dietetics, medicine, or public health
- Train professionals to evaluate nutrition research critically
- Support careers in healthcare, research, and health promotion
Some programs are aligned with dietetics requirements, while others are more research-oriented.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how nutrients interact with biological systems and how diet affects health across the lifespan. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based reasoning and the ability to separate scientifically supported guidance from misinformation.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Understanding nutrient metabolism—how carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals function
- Human physiology knowledge—digestive, endocrine, and metabolic systems
- Biochemical analysis—molecular pathways related to nutrition and health
- Dietary assessment—evaluating food intake and nutritional status
- Research literacy—interpreting nutrition and health studies
- Data analysis and statistics—evaluating population and clinical nutrition data
- Critical thinking—assessing diet claims and nutritional interventions
- Communication skills—explaining nutrition science clearly and accurately
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by institution, but commonly includes:
- Macronutrient and Micronutrient Metabolism: biochemical roles of nutrients
- Human Nutrition Across the Lifespan: nutrition needs from infancy to aging
- Nutritional Biochemistry: molecular mechanisms of nutrient action
- Clinical Nutrition: diet and disease relationships
- Public Health Nutrition: nutrition at the population level
- Food Science: composition, processing, and safety
- Nutrition Epidemiology: diet patterns and disease risk
- Research Methods in Nutrition: experimental and observational study design
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Sciences prepares students for entry-level health, research, and wellness roles, as well as further education. Some careers require additional certification or licensure.
Common career paths include:
- Research Assistant: supporting nutrition or biomedical studies
- Nutrition or Health Program Coordinator: managing wellness or public health initiatives
- Dietetic Internship Path: preparing for Registered Dietitian credentials
- Clinical Support or Health Educator: assisting in healthcare or community settings
- Food or Nutrition Analyst: evaluating nutritional content and compliance
- Public Health or Policy Assistant: supporting nutrition-related programs
- Graduate or Professional School Path: preparing for medicine, dietetics, or research careers
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in settings focused on health and nutrition:
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Public health agencies
- Research laboratories and universities
- Food and nutrition companies
- Community health organizations
- Government nutrition programs
- Fitness and wellness organizations
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings depend on role, location, and education level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level nutrition or health roles: often $40,000–$55,000
- Research or program coordinators: commonly $50,000–$75,000
- Registered Dietitians (with credentials): often $60,000–$85,000
- Advanced-degree professionals: can earn higher salaries in clinical or research roles
Professional certification and graduate education significantly improve earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Nutrition Sciences is considered moderately to highly challenging due to its strong science foundation. Students must be comfortable with chemistry, biology, and statistics. Lab work and memorization are common, especially in biochemistry and physiology courses.
However, students who enjoy health science and evidence-based learning often find the rigor worthwhile.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Are interested in health, wellness, and disease prevention
- Enjoy biology and chemistry
- Want a science-backed approach to nutrition
- Are considering healthcare or graduate school
- Care about public health and long-term well-being
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a nutrition sciences program:
- Take biology, chemistry, and health science courses
- Build strong math and statistics skills
- Practice scientific reading and writing
- Learn to evaluate health information critically
- Volunteer in health or community nutrition programs if possible
Nutrition Sciences (CIP 30.1901) is a rigorous, evidence-based degree for students who want to improve health through science. It prepares graduates to understand nutrition at its core and apply that knowledge responsibly in healthcare, research, and public health contexts.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
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