Master of Science [M.S] (Nutrition and Dietetics)
Field of Study:
$49,320 /Yr
Saint Louis University (SLU) Master of Science [M.S] Nutrition and Dietetics is a 15-month full-time or flexible part-time graduate degree in the Doisy College of Health Sciences. The program requires 30–35 credits, welcomes international students, and combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in fresh food labs and dietetic internship placements. Intake is August (fall semester). Application deadline for international students is May 1. Total estimated cost ranges from INR 41.33 Lakhs to INR 48.21 Lakhs (US$ 43,500 to US$ 50,750), including tuition and living expenses in Saint Louis.
SLU’s nutrition program trains entry-level registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) for clinical practice, hospital management, food service, and community health roles. The department has 90+ years of excellence and uniquely emphasizes sustainability in food systems, media nutrition literacy, and hands-on culinary practice in its Fresh Gatherings Cafe student-run facility. Graduates sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam and earn a master’s degree—now required as of January 2024 to become a registered dietitian in the United States. Ideal applicants have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or related field, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and strong foundational science knowledge. This programme is suited for students seeking rapid credential completion, clinical placement variety, and active mentorship in a Catholic research university.
- Accelerated 15-month internship track combines earning a master’s degree with 1,200+ hours of supervised dietetic practice.
- ACEND-accredited internship provides rotations across Saint Louis healthcare facilities, hospitals, and community organizations.
- Flexible traditional M.S. option allows part-time study with full-time work or other commitments.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the August 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 01 May 2027.
Indian students applying via the Master’s pathway must submit WES or ECE transcript evaluations and TOEFL/IELTS scores. Plan 3–4 weeks for credential evaluation before submission. SLU recommends applying by mid-April to allow time for interview scheduling before the May 1 deadline.
Also Check: Saint Louis University Master of Science Nutrition and Dietetics Admission
Saint Louis University Master of Science Nutrition and Dietetics Fees and Living Costs 2027
The master’s programme charges US$ 1,450 per credit hour (INR 1,37,750 per credit hour). A 30–35 credit degree costs US$ 43,500 to US$ 50,750 (INR 41.33 Lakhs to INR 48.21 Lakhs) in tuition alone. The university does not publish separate international versus domestic fees; all graduate students pay the same rate.
| Fee Component | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits minimum) | US$ 43,500 | INR 41.33 Lakhs |
| Tuition (35 credits maximum) | US$ 50,750 | INR 48.21 Lakhs |
| Application fee (one-time) | US$ 65 | INR 6,175 |
| Health insurance (annual) | US$ 2,800 | INR 2.66 Lakhs |
| Books, supplies, materials (annual) | US$ 1,500 | INR 1.43 Lakhs |
| Total tuition + fees (30-credit minimum, 15 months) | US$ 43,565 | INR 41.39 Lakhs |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition is charged per credit; students may accelerate or defer coursework based on concentration.
- Health insurance is mandatory for international students and renews annually during the degree.
- Books and supplies vary by semester; internship rotations require uniforms and CPR certification (approximately US$ 300 one-time).
- Graduate assistantships (Teaching, Research, Practicum) offer US$ 5,000–US$ 12,000 annual stipends with 50% tuition reduction; 10–15 hours/week commitment.
Cost reality for Indian students: A 30-credit degree in 15 months (full-time internship track) costs INR 41.39 Lakhs in tuition and fees. Adding living costs of INR 13.84 Lakhs annually brings total first-year cost to approximately INR 55.23 Lakhs, or roughly INR 1.10 Crores for a full degree including two years of flexible study. Assistantship awards reduce this significantly.
Cost of Living in Saint Louis for Master of Science Nutrition and Dietetics Students
Saint Louis is one of the most affordable major U.S. cities for students. Graduate students budget INR 13.84 Lakhs annually (US$ 14,570) for off-campus housing, food, and transport.
| Expense Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (shared apartment) | US$ 550–700 | INR 52,250–66,500 | US$ 6,600–8,400 | INR 6.27–7.98 Lakhs |
| Food (shared cooking) | US$ 250–350 | INR 23,750–33,250 | US$ 3,000–4,200 | INR 2.85–3.99 Lakhs |
| Transport & utilities | US$ 120–150 | INR 11,400–14,250 | US$ 1,440–1,800 | INR 1.37–1.71 Lakhs |
| Personal & miscellaneous | US$ 100–120 | INR 9,500–11,400 | US$ 1,200–1,440 | INR 1.14–1.37 Lakhs |
| Total monthly | US$ 1,020–1,320 | INR 96,900–125,400 | US$ 12,240–15,840 | INR 11.63–15.05 Lakhs |
Saint Louis advantage: Living costs are 30–40% lower than major U.S. hubs like New York or Boston. Graduate students live comfortably on INR 1,00,000 per month in shared housing; campus location offers free parking and walking distance to clinics and food labs.
Read More: USA Cost of Living and Study Abroad Guide
Saint Louis University Master of Science Nutrition and Dietetics Admission 2027
SLU admits students twice yearly: August (fall, primary intake for international students) and January (spring, limited seats). International applicant pool is approximately 5–15% of total admissions; Indian students typically hold 20–30% of international seats in recent cohorts.
Academic entry standards are transparent. Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, food science, or closely related field is required; students with non-nutrition undergraduate degrees may apply for conditional admission if they complete prerequisite coursework (8–12 months extension). Minimum cumulative GPA is 3.0 on 4.0 scale; most admitted students hold 3.2–3.6 GPA. GRE is optional; approximately 40% of recent cohorts submitted scores. No minimum GRE score is published, but competitive applicants typically score above 50th percentile (Quant 145–150, Verbal 145–155).
| Admission Criterion | Requirement | Notes for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | Nutrition, Dietetics, or closely related field | Non-nutrition degrees acceptable with prerequisite completion; WES/ECE evaluation required (3–4 weeks turnaround) |
| Cumulative GPA | Minimum 3.0 (no grade replacement) | Calculated from all undergraduate credits; SLU converts 4-point grading scales from Indian universities |
| Prerequisites (if applicable) | General Biology, Chemistry I & II, Biochemistry, Physiology, Nutrition (Intro), Lifecycle Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Therapy I & II | If not completed: conditional admission; prerequisite courses add 8–12 months and extend total degree to 24–27 months |
| GRE | Optional | Not required; submitted scores bolster borderline GPA applications |
| Interview | Required (virtual available) | Conducted 1–2 weeks after application portal closes; plan 30 minutes |
SLU is ranked 89 overall in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 rankings and holds a strong regional reputation in health professions education. The Doisy College of Health Sciences is consistently top 50 for allied health programmes nationwide.
English Language Proficiency for Master of Science Nutrition and Dietetics
International students whose first language is not English must submit proof of English proficiency. SLU accepts TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Recent admissions show most Indian applicants submit IELTS or TOEFL-iBT scores.
| Test | SLU Minimum | Typical Competitive Score | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL-iBT (120 scale) | 80 | 92–100 | INR 15,000–18,000 |
| IELTS Academic (9 scale) | 6.5 (overall) | 7.0–7.5 | INR 14,000–17,000 |
| Duolingo English Test (160 scale) | 110 | 120–130 | INR 5,000–6,500 |
- TOEFL-iBT is most widely recognized by U.S. universities; Indian test centres are abundant and scores arrive within 3–5 days.
- IELTS is preferred by many Indian applicants; speaking section is face-to-face, which some find less stressful than TOEFL.
- Duolingo is newest option, fastest result (24 hours), and significantly cheaper; SLU now accepts it equally with TOEFL/IELTS.
- No component cutoffs (reading, writing, speaking, listening) are published; overall test score is the criterion.
Preparation tip for Indian applicants: Most competitive nutrition programme admits score 92+ on TOEFL or 7.0+ on IELTS. Prepare 8–10 weeks using TOEFL/IELTS-specific practice materials; speaking and writing sections are weighted equally. SLU reviews full application holistically, so a 3.1 GPA with strong interview can offset a 90 TOEFL score.
Check Out: USA Student Visa and English Proficiency Requirements
Saint Louis University Master of Science Nutrition and Dietetics Application 2027
SLU uses a straightforward online application portal. Dietetic Internship applicants additionally use DICAS (Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application System) to submit supporting materials to accreditation bodies. Non-internship concentrations apply directly through the SLU Graduate Admissions portal.
| Intake | Application Deadline | Status | Expected Decision Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2027 (Fall) – International | 01 May 2027 | Open | 15 May 2027 – 01 June 2027 |
| August 2027 (Fall) – U.S. Domestic | 01 July 2027 | Open | 15 July 2027 – 31 July 2027 |
| January 2028 (Spring) | Expected 01 November 2027 | Not Yet Open | 15 November 2027 – 01 December 2027 |
| Graduate Assistantship Priority Deadline | 31 March 2027 | Open | 01 May 2027 |
Required documents include completed application form, official transcripts (WES/ECE evaluation for international students, 3–4 weeks processing), three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees, résumé, personal goal statement (500 words), proof of English language proficiency, and financial support letter from sponsor with bank verification of funds. A brief virtual interview (30 minutes) is scheduled by SLU within 2 weeks of application completeness; no interview preparation is necessary, but applicants should be ready to discuss career goals in nutrition and clinical interests.
- Submit WES or ECE evaluation together with application; SLU will not review transcripts without official credential evaluation.
- Application fee is US$ 65, paid via credit card on the portal.
- Rolling admissions: earlier applicants interviewed sooner; do not wait until May 1 deadline.
- Deferrals: admitted students may request to defer admission by one semester (up to spring 2028 intake) without reapplication.
Application strategy: Indian applicants should target an April 15 submission to allow time for WES/ECE processing and to be interviewed before late April. Early interview scheduling improves visa timelines (advisors hold spots for quick-turnaround I-20 issuing). Plan 6–8 weeks total from decision to I-20 receipt for visa processing.
Also Check: USA F-1 Student Visa Application Process and Timeline
Saint Louis University Master of Science Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarships 2027
SLU offers need-based and merit-based graduate awards. Merit awards are capped at US$ 12,000 annual (25–27% of tuition cover); most nutrition graduate students receive awards of US$ 5,000–US$ 10,000. Merit scholarships are awarded to approximately 60–80% of admitted international students and do not require separate application—SLU awards automatically upon admission based on GPA and application strength.
| Scholarship Type | Award (USD) | Award (INR) | Coverage % | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Merit Award | US$ 5,000–12,000 per year | INR 4.75–11.40 Lakhs per year | 11–28% of tuition | GPA 3.0+; merit-based; automatic consideration |
| Graduate Teaching Assistantship | US$ 7,000–10,000 plus 50% tuition | INR 6.65–9.50 Lakhs plus INR 21.67–24.58 Lakhs tuition remission | 50–63% of total cost | 10–15 hours/week; food lab, nutrition education, or research support; competitive; priority by March 31 |
| Graduate Research Assistantship | US$ 8,000–12,000 plus 50% tuition | INR 7.60–11.40 Lakhs plus INR 21.67–24.58 Lakhs tuition remission | 50–68% of total cost | 10–15 hours/week; faculty research projects in nutrition; limited slots; priority by March 31 |
| Practicum Assistantship (DI track only) | US$ 5,000–8,000 plus practicum placement credit | INR 4.75–7.60 Lakhs plus internship credit | 12–18% of tuition | MS-DI cohort only; automatic placement in paid practicum rotations |
| Federal Work-Study (on-campus employment) | US$ 15/hour × 15 hours/week | INR 1,425/hour × 15 hours/week (INR 21,375/week) | Supplemental income only | On-campus jobs only; eligible international students with F-1 status |
- Assistantships are competitive; GPA 3.2+ and demonstrated research interest strengthen applications.
- Tuition remission reduces out-of-pocket cost significantly; a Teaching Assistantship with US$ 8,000 stipend plus 50% tuition waiver nets effective cost of approximately INR 26–28 Lakhs for 30-credit degree.
- International students are eligible for all merit and assistantship awards; no scholarships are limited to U.S. citizens.
- Assistantship stipends are taxable income; plan to file U.S. tax return (most assistants owe minimal tax due to standard deduction).
Honest take on affordability: Without assistantship, a full degree (30–35 credits + living) costs INR 55–62 Lakhs over 15 months. With a Teaching Assistantship (US$ 8,000 stipend + 50% tuition remission), out-of-pocket cost drops to approximately INR 28–32 Lakhs, making it comparable to top 2-year private M.S. programmes in India. Apply for assistantships early if funding is critical.
Read More: USA Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Graduate Students
Saint Louis University Master of Science Nutrition and Dietetics Salary and Graduate Outcomes 2027
SLU nutrition graduates are employed as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) within 6 months of degree completion. The program reports 100% job placement rate among MS-DI (Internship) graduates within 3 months of completion; traditional MS graduates in clinical and food service concentrations report 95%+ placement within 6 months. Indian graduates are recruited for leadership and diversity roles in U.S. hospitals, nursing homes, food service management, and public health agencies.
| Role / Career Path | Median Salary (USD) | Median Salary (INR) | Range (USD) | Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) – Clinical Hospital | US$ 73,850 | INR 70.15 Lakhs | US$ 58,000–92,000 | INR 55.10–87.40 Lakhs |
| Registered Dietitian – Food Service Management | US$ 68,500 | INR 65.08 Lakhs | US$ 55,000–84,000 | INR 52.25–79.80 Lakhs |
| Registered Dietitian – Public Health / Community | US$ 62,000 | INR 58.90 Lakhs | US$ 48,000–75,000 | INR 45.60–71.25 Lakhs |
| Dietitian – Consultant / Private Practice (Year 3+) | US$ 80,000+ | INR 76 Lakhs+ | US$ 70,000–120,000 | INR 66.50–1.14 Crores |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2024); PayScale analysis of nutrition/dietetics graduate salary data (2024–2026).
- RDN credential requires passing the Dietetic Registration Examination (DRE); SLU graduates achieve 87–92% first-time pass rate.
- Specialization salary bump: Renal nutrition, oncology, and pediatrics specialists earn 8–15% above baseline RDN salary; additional certification (LSSGB, CNSD) adds US$ 2,000–5,000 annually.
- Geographic variation: West Coast (California, Washington) and urban Northeast (Boston, NYC) pay 18–25% above U.S. average; Midwest (including Saint Louis) is 8–12% below average.
- International graduates on F-1/H-1B visa are eligible for all positions; employer sponsorship is standard for RDN roles (demand exceeds supply in hospital dietetics).
ROI reality for Indian students: Cost of SLU MS-DI degree is INR 55–62 Lakhs; annual salary for US-based RDN is INR 55.10–87.40 Lakhs within 4–6 months post-graduation. The degree is recouped within 12–18 months of employment. Option Practical Training (OPT) allows 12-month work authorization post-graduation; many SLU RDNs secure H-1B sponsorship by Year 2 for longer tenure.
Also Check: USA OPT (Optional Practical Training) and Post-Study Work Permit Guide
United States F-1 Student Visa for Master of Science Nutrition and Dietetics
International students at SLU are sponsored on F-1 Student Visa. SLU issues an I-20 certificate of eligibility within 5–10 business days of enrollment deposit and proof of financial support. The F-1 visa is valid for the duration of study plus a 60-day grace period post-graduation.
- SLU provides I-20; apply for visa at the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate (typically 4–6 week processing in India).
- On-campus employment: allowed up to 20 hours per week during school semester; full-time during official breaks (winter, spring, summer).
- Off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available for dietetic internship placements (practicum rotations are CPT-eligible); Optional Practical Training (OPT) extends 12-month work authorization after graduation for any role (ABA is non-STEM, so standard 12-month OPT applies).
- Dependent/spouse visa: F-2 status available; working spouses do not receive independent work authorization (F-2 cannot work in the U.S.; spouse must remain dependent).
- Health insurance: mandatory; cost US$ 2,800 annual (covered by assistantship benefits or paid separately).
Visa reality for Indian RDN graduates: F-1 expires after degree + 60 days. To remain in the U.S., secure H-1B sponsorship or green card employment pathway. RDN roles are H-1B-friendly (in-demand occupation); most employers offer sponsorship by Year 2. Alternative: return to India with U.S. credential and practice as consultant, which commands 1.5–2x premium over local RDN salary.
Read More: Complete USA Student Visa Guide and Work Authorization Options
Master of Science Nutrition and Dietetics FAQs
Ques. Do I need a nutrition degree to apply for the SLU MS Nutrition and Dietetics?
Ans. No. SLU accepts applicants with bachelor’s degrees in related fields (food science, dietetics, human biology, chemistry). If your degree lacks specific prerequisites (biochemistry, physiology, medical nutrition therapy), SLU offers conditional admission; you complete prerequisite coursework (8–12 months) before starting the master’s, extending total time to 24–27 months. This is common among applicants transitioning from non-nutrition healthcare backgrounds.
Ques. Is the MS-DI (Internship) track faster to becoming a registered dietitian than the traditional MS?
Ans. Yes. The MS-DI is 15 months full-time; 1,200+ supervised practicum hours are embedded. You complete the master’s degree and dietetic registration eligibility simultaneously. The traditional MS is flexible (full-time or part-time) but requires a separate dietetic internship after graduation (12 months) if you haven’t already completed one. Most applicants choose MS-DI to compress the pathway to RDN credential into 15 months.
Ques. What is the pass rate for the Dietetic Registration Examination (DRE) for SLU graduates?
Ans. SLU reports an 87–92% first-attempt pass rate on the CDR (Commission on Dietetic Registration) exam, compared to the national average of 75%. The programme’s strong clinical internship placements and rigorous practicum supervision contribute to high pass rates. Most SLU graduates sit for the exam within 3 months of graduation and pass on first attempt.
Ques. Can I work part-time while pursuing the MS Nutrition and Dietetics?
Ans. The MS-DI (internship track) is full-time only and does not allow external employment due to 1,200+ practicum hours. However, graduate assistantships (teaching, research, practicum) are permitted and are considered part of your degree work. The traditional MS allows part-time study (2–3 years to completion) and full-time employment, making it suited for working professionals seeking to transition into nutrition roles.
Ques. Do Indian students need visa sponsorship and what is the timeline from admission to I-20 receipt?
Ans. Yes, SLU sponsors international students on F-1 visas and issues I-20 within 5–10 business days of enrollment deposit and proof of financial support (bank letter). After receiving the I-20, you apply for visa at the U.S. consulate in India (processing typically 4–6 weeks for Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai). Plan 8–12 weeks total from admission to visa issuance; apply in March–April for August intake to secure visa by July–August.
The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Saint Louis University combines affordability, accelerated completion (15 months internship track), and strong clinical training in a Catholic research institution. Ideal for Indian students seeking rapid RDN credential attainment and U.S. work authorization with clear H-1B sponsorship pathways. Apply by May 1, 2027 (international deadline) for August 2027 intake.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $49320 |
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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,500/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
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