Can I Afford to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?

Cost breakdown of what it takes to be an RDN and resources for those planning to start their journey to become an RDN

By: Melissa Cruz MS, BS, Diversify Dietetics Intern


As the population of the United States increases and diversifies, so does the demand for diverse nutrition experts who treat various medical conditions and provide evidence-based nutrition education. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook, for RDNs from 2022-2032 is 7%, much higher than the average growth rate for all occupations of 3%. As the need for RDNs increases, the affordability of higher education must be discussed early on so students are aware of the financial responsibility tied to the title of RDN.

The following list breaks down the cost of becoming an RDN into four parts and includes costs that are not common knowledge to most students planning to become an RDN.


Part I: Educational Requirements

The first step in becoming an RDN is obtaining the correct educational requirements. There are several pathways students can take to complete their Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) coursework to obtain the verification statement from the DPD director stating they have completed all DPD coursework and can start a dietetic internship. More information about education pathways can be found here. Students must complete DPD coursework and obtain a bachelor's degree, and a master’s degree as an education requirement to become an RDN. 

The average cost for tuition for DPD coursework and a bachelor's degree varies based on the type of institution (public vs. private), tuition rate (in-state vs. out-of-state), school fees, and associated costs, including housing and living expenses, transportation, textbooks, and other supplies.

From 2021-2022, the annual tuition average for a four-year public college was $10,740 for in-state residents and $27,560 for out-of-state residents. Additionally, the average cost for room and board is an extra $11,950 added to the total. The average cost of obtaining a bachelor's degree based on your state can be found here. Check the school website and with the financial aid office to receive an accurate cost breakdown of attending that institution.

Beginning January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration declares the minimum education degree requirement to take the dietetic registration exam is a master's degree. This new change to the education requirement will cause an increased financial burden on individuals seeking to become an RDN.

The average cost range of obtaining a master's degree is $54,000 and $73,000 depending on various factors. Like a bachelor’s degree, a master's degree is associated with other costs like room and board, books, and other materials. Graduate students have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships. Graduate assistantship positions provide the student with a tuition waiver and often a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. Students can obtain these positions through their program department, central administration offices (financial aid, student affairs, etc.), or a complimentary program department. International or out-of-state graduate students can also receive an in-state tuition waiver by obtaining an assistantship. Check with the financial aid or graduate student services at your school for more information.

Part II: Dietetic Internship

The next step in becoming an RDN is completing the dietetic internship. Individuals who have received their verification statement from their DPD director are eligible to apply for dietetic internships. Students can complete the dietetic internship alongside a master's degree in a coordinated program or a stand-alone dietetic internship after completing a master's degree. Information about educational pathways can be found here.

The Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Services(DICAS) is the platform used by dietetic internships for receiving applications. Each dietetic internship application that an individual submits has an associated program fee, and fee payable to DICAS which can be found on the DICAS website. Alongside the dietetic internship application, individuals must sign up for D&D Digital, a website that matches applicants to dietetic internships at each cycle (spring or fall) based on preference ranking order. There is an associated fee for signing up with D&D Digital. More information about the internship application process can be found on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website. Diversify Dietetics (DD) offers a Dietetic Internship Application Support Program with resources available to DD members applying to internships (membership rates can be found here and you can also take advantage of scholarship and internship opportunities).

After receiving the great news of being accepted into a dietetic internship, the cost of completing a dietetic internship quickly comes to mind. The cost of completing a dietetic internship varies considerably but can range anywhere from $5,000-$12,000 or more. The variation in cost is based on the program length (full-time vs. part-time), tuition, and requirements like medical insurance, professional liability insurance, immunizations/vaccinations, medical screening, and background check/drug screening. Other additional costs include housing, transportation, supplies (books, computer, lab coat, name tag, etc), and certifications (CPR, ServeSafe) or memberships (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic Member, eNCPT, NCM). Every program has different requirements so check internship websites under program costs to understand better the cost of attending that program.

Students who cannot financially commit to starting a full-time dietetic internship can opt for part-time or distance internships that allow more flexibility and time to work a job. The U.S Department of Veteran Affairs dietetic internship is a tuition-free program that also provides a stipend to its interns. DPH WIC Dietetic Internship Program is another program that waives tuition but interns must meet certain requirements like having full-time status as an employee, so check your state’s WIC website for more information. Also, check with your DPD director to get more information about tuition-free dietetic internships. 

All Access Dietetics has created a blog post outlining how to earn money while completing a dietetic internship with a list of financial resources and job ideas for dietetic interns.


Part III: Registration Exam

The next step in the process of becoming a dietitian is completing the registration exam. Individuals must register to take the exam on the Commission on Dietetic Registration website and pay a fee of $200. 

The first-time exam passing rate for all programs in 2022 was 88.7%. The amount of time needed to student and prepare for the exam varies based on the individual and time available but the general recommendation is a minimum of 3-4 months of studying prep before taking the exam. RD exam prep courses are available but can be costly upwards of $500 plus. All Access Dietetics has a blog post breaking down the RD exam and how to study for the exam. 

Below is a list of available RD exam prep courses:


Part IV: Licensure and Beyond

After completing and passing the registration exam, there is one final step before you can start practicing as a dietitian. CDR certification is given to individuals who have completed the education requirements, supervised internship, and passed the registration exam. CDR certification is different from state licensure. Most states require state licensure for nutrition and dietetic professionals to have a license/certification to work in that specific state legally. State licensure varies from state to state, with many licensure types. To learn more about licensure in your state, go here.

To maintain your registration as an RD with CDR, individuals must pay a yearly maintenance fee on the CDR website. In addition, RDs must complete continuing professional education units (CPEU) of 75 CPEUs, including 1 CPEU related to ethics. RDs can serve as preceptors to obtain CPEUs or learn more about additional resources, with associated fees, on the Academy of Nutrition website. 

Melissa Cruz