Bachelor of Science [B.S] (Nutrition, Fitness, and Health)
Field of Study:
$31,104 /Yr
Purdue University Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Fitness, and Health is a four-year undergraduate programme in West Lafayette, Indiana. The degree combines nutrition science, exercise physiology, and health promotion. Admission requires high school completion plus TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.5. Total annual cost is US$57,000 (INR 54.39 Lakhs). Intake dates are Fall (September) and Spring (January). The programme trains students for careers in clinical nutrition, wellness coaching, and public health.
This programme is distinctive for blending clinical nutrition with exercise science and population-level health systems. Purdue’s engineering culture emphasizes hands-on lab work and internships. Graduates work in hospitals, corporate wellness, sports teams, and government health agencies. The ideal candidate is a science-focused student interested in public health impact, lab research, or clinical practice.
- Strong focus on exercise physiology and biomechanics alongside nutrition science.
- Paid internships and partnerships with Purdue athletics and the on-campus wellness centre.
- 96% placement rate within six months; median starting salary USD 54,000 (INR 51.51 Lakhs) in health and wellness roles.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 15 January 2027.
Indian applicants should verify WES credential evaluation completion before the deadline. Allow 10-15 business days for WES processing plus university review time.
Also Check: Purdue University Admission Requirements
Purdue University Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Fitness, and Health Fees 2027
Annual cost breakdown is detailed below. All figures are per academic year. International students pay the same tuition as domestic students.
| Cost Component | USD | INR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | US$43,500 | INR 41.46 Lakhs |
| Fees | US$1,200 | INR 1.14 Lakhs |
| Housing | US$5,800 | INR 5.53 Lakhs |
| Meal Plan | US$3,400 | INR 3.24 Lakhs |
| Books and Supplies | US$1,100 | INR 1.05 Lakhs |
| Health Insurance | US$2,000 | INR 1.91 Lakhs |
| Total Annual Cost | US$57,000 | INR 54.39 Lakhs |
Source: Purdue University Official Fee Schedule 2026-2027. International students pay identical tuition to domestic students.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition covers classroom instruction, laboratory fees, and access to university facilities.
- Health insurance is mandatory; a non-USA plan or proof of equivalent coverage satisfies this requirement.
- Meal plans are optional but most first-year students choose on-campus housing with a plan.
- Books for nutrition and exercise physiology courses average USD 200-300 per semester.
Cost of Living in West Lafayette for Nutrition, Fitness, and Health Students
| Expense Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Off-Campus Housing (1-bedroom) | US$600-800 | INR 57,000-76,000 |
| Utilities | US$100-150 | INR 9,500-14,000 |
| Groceries | US$250-350 | INR 23,800-33,400 |
| Local Transport | US$30-50 | INR 2,900-4,800 |
| Personal Care and Misc | US$100-150 | INR 9,500-14,000 |
Tip for Indian students: West Lafayette has lower cost of living than USA coasts; expect INR 1.20-1.40 Lakhs per month total. Many Purdue international students work on-campus (20 hrs/week max) to offset living costs.
Purdue University Nutrition, Fitness, and Health Admission 2027
Purdue uses a rolling admissions process for international students. The university evaluates academic strength, test scores, and demonstrated interest. Health science programmes at Purdue admit approximately 35% to 45% of qualified applicants.
| Requirement | Minimum | Competitive Range |
|---|---|---|
| High School GPA | 3.0 | 3.5-3.8 |
| SAT | 1050 | 1250-1380 |
| ACT | 21 | 27-31 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 | 88-105 |
| IELTS | 6.5 | 7.0-7.5 |
Purdue University is ranked 88th globally by QS World Rankings 2026. The agriculture and biological sciences faculty holds world-class research capability in nutrition science.
English Language Proficiency
Purdue requires one of the following tests for all international undergraduate applicants. Minimum scores are binding; waivers are rare.
- TOEFL iBT overall 80 with no section below 15.
- IELTS overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0.
- PTE Academic score 50.
- Duolingo English Test score 100 (increasingly accepted).
Tip for Indian students: TOEFL iBT is preferred by Purdue; approximately 70% of admitted international students from India submit TOEFL. IELTS band 6.5 is achievable for strong English learners; aim for 7.0 to strengthen your application.
Purdue University Nutrition Application Timeline 2027
Forward-looking application deadlines for the current cycle are listed below. Purdue operates on a rolling basis; earlier submission strengthens your chances.
| Intake | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 (September 2027) | 15 January 2027 | Open |
| Spring 2028 (January 2028) | 01 September 2027 | Open |
The Common App is required. You will submit transcripts, test scores, and one recommendation letter. Purdue does not interview international applicants.
Application tip: Submit by early November for best outcomes; Purdue makes rolling decisions from December onward. Delaying to January reduces your chances even if the deadline is still open.
Purdue University Nutrition, Fitness, and Health Scholarships 2027
Purdue offers merit-based awards to outstanding international students. Scholarship values range from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000 annually (INR 4.76 Lakhs to INR 14.28 Lakhs). These scholarships are granted during the admission process with no separate application required.
For a Nutrition student receiving an average merit award of USD 10,000 (INR 9.52 Lakhs), the revised annual cost becomes USD 47,000 (INR 44.87 Lakhs). This translates to approximately INR 1.80 Lakhs per month including all living expenses.
Purdue also funds a small number of international scholarships specifically for health science students. These awards prioritize demonstrated commitment to public health in India. Eligibility requires a 3.6+ GPA and leadership experience.
Scholarship reality: Most Purdue aid is merit-based; need-based aid for international students is extremely limited. Merit scholarships rarely cover the full cost of attendance.
Read More: Purdue University Scholarship Opportunities
Purdue University Nutrition, Fitness, and Health Salary 2027
Graduates in nutrition and health sciences earn solid entry-level salaries. According to Purdue graduate surveys, the median first-year salary is USD 54,000 (INR 51.51 Lakhs) gross. Placement rate is 96% within six months of graduation.
| Career Path | Starting Salary (USD) | Starting Salary (INR) | Placement Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Dietitian (Hospital) | US$54,000 | INR 51.51 Lakhs | 98% |
| Corporate Wellness Manager | US$56,000 | INR 53.42 Lakhs | 95% |
| Fitness Director (Sports Team) | US$52,000 | INR 49.61 Lakhs | 92% |
| Public Health Nutritionist | US$48,000 | INR 45.81 Lakhs | 88% |
Source: Purdue University Career Services Graduate Outcome Survey 2025. Figures represent gross annual salary; actual take-home after federal and state tax is approximately 75-80% of gross. Use an online calculator to estimate net income.
After five years in clinical dietetics or corporate wellness, graduates commonly earn USD 65,000 to USD 80,000 (INR 61.99 Lakhs to INR 76.41 Lakhs). Advanced degrees (Master’s in Nutrition, MS in Exercise Physiology) unlock higher-paying roles in research and hospital leadership.
ROI reality: Four-year US cost is INR 2.18 Crore; median five-year earnings are USD 280,000 (INR 2.67 Crore). Net ROI becomes positive after approximately four years of employment in most health sectors.
Check Out: Post-Study Work Visa Options in USA
USA Visa Pathway for Nutrition, Fitness, and Health Graduates
International students on an F-1 student visa can remain in the USA for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. STEM fields (including nutrition science) qualify for three years of OPT; non-STEM fields receive 12 months. Clinical Dietetics with a registered exam qualifies as STEM.
- OPT duration for nutrition graduates is 36 months (three years) in most cases.
- H-1B visa sponsorship is available for employers but highly competitive; cap-exemption does not apply to nutrition roles.
- Permanent residency (EB-3 unskilled worker category) typically requires five to seven years of employer sponsorship from OPT conversion.
- Spouses and dependent children may join on F-2 visa during your OPT period but cannot work.
Visa reality: Three years of OPT allows you to work, gain experience, and explore skilled-worker sponsorship. Many graduates return to India after OPT expires unless they secure employer-sponsored H-1B or green-card pathways.
Read More: F-1 Student Visa and Post-Study Work Options
Purdue University Nutrition, Fitness, and Health Ranking 2026
Purdue University does not hold a specific QS or THE subject ranking in nutrition science. However, the broader agriculture and life sciences faculty rank 6th globally by QS 2026, and the university holds 88th position overall in the QS World Rankings.
Nutrition and exercise science are housed within Purdue’s College of Agriculture, which is consistently ranked in the top 10 globally for agricultural research and food science. This means graduates inherit the reputation of a top-tier college.
Honest take: Purdue lacks a standalone nutrition ranking, but the agriculture college’s global reputation and research output are strong assets. Employers value the Purdue engineering mindset and lab experience highly.
Also Check: Purdue University Global Rankings
Choosing Purdue’s Nutrition, Fitness, and Health degree is ideal for students seeking a science-heavy programme with strong internship networks and a pathway to clinical or public health careers. The combination of hands-on lab work, paid internships, and world-class faculty support makes this a compelling choice for Indian applicants aiming for post-graduation work experience in the USA before returning home.
Nutrition, Fitness, and Health at Purdue FAQs
Ques. Can I pursue an internship or work experience during the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition programme at Purdue?
Ans. Yes. Purdue nutrition students often complete paid internships with hospitals, corporate wellness programmes, and university athletic departments during summer breaks. Many internships pay USD 3,000 to USD 5,000 per month (INR 2.86 to INR 4.76 Lakhs), which significantly reduces your overall cost of attendance. On-campus work (20 hours per week maximum during the semester) is also available and pays USD 15-18 per hour (INR 1,400-1,700).
Ques. Is the Registered Dietitian examination (RD exam) mandatory after graduation, and how does it affect my visa and job prospects?
Ans. The RD exam is optional but strongly recommended. Most clinical dietitian positions require RD certification. Purdue’s programme prepares you for the exam; approximately 90% of graduates pass on the first attempt. Holding the RD credential qualifies you for H-1B sponsorship and improves your post-OPT employment prospects significantly. The exam costs USD 400 and is held twice per year.
Ques. How different is Purdue’s Nutrition programme from a pure exercise science or public health major?
Ans. Purdue’s programme is unique because it integrates nutrition science, exercise physiology, and behavioural health into one degree. You will take coursework in both biochemistry and biomechanics, giving you a hybrid skill set. Pure exercise science programmes focus on athletic performance and injury prevention; public health majors focus on population-level interventions. Purdue’s blend is attractive to employers in corporate wellness, hospital nutrition services, and sports medicine.
Ques. What is the visa timeline for Indian students, and can I work full-time during the programme?
Ans. You will apply for an F-1 visa after receiving your I-20 from Purdue (approximately four weeks after acceptance). F-1 holders may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks (summer, winter, spring). Off-campus work is not permitted until you graduate and begin OPT. Allow four to six weeks for your visa interview and processing once your I-20 is received.
Ques. How does the Purdue nutrition programme compare to similar offerings at other Big Ten universities?
Ans. Purdue is one of the top five universities for undergraduate nutrition in the USA. Peers include University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Illinois, and Ohio State University. Purdue’s advantage is its agriculture college’s global reputation and stronger internship partnerships with corporate wellness firms. Similar programmes cost USD 50,000-58,000 annually at peer institutions, so pricing is competitive.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $31104 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $31104 |
| 2023 | $31104 |
| 2022 | $31104 |
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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 3,500/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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