Program Overview
The Iowa State University (ISU) Dietetic Internship (DI) is a competitive, fulltime, 10month program that prepares graduates for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. The internship combines supervised practice in clinical, community, and foodservice settings with a strong emphasis on research and professional development.
Because the DI is not a graduate degree program, it does not award a masters or doctoral credential. However, most participants hold a bachelors degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field and have completed the required supervised practice hours for eligibility.
Tuition & Fees (20242025 Academic Year)
ISU categorizes the DI as a postgraduate professional program. The tuition is calculated per credit hour, and the internship typically requires 15 credit hours.
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition InState | $387 per credit hour |
| Tuition OutofState | $1,125 per credit hour |
| Program Fee (mandatory) | $350 (onetime) |
| Health Insurance (mandatory for nonresident students) | $2,100 (annual) |
| Technology & Lab Fees | $150 (annual) |
Estimated total tuition cost:
- InState students: 15$387 + $350 + $150 = $6,205
- OutofState students: 15$1,125 + $350 + $150 = $18,275
- Health insurance is added only for outofstate or uninsured instate students.
Estimated Living Expenses
Most interns live in Ames, IA, where the cost of living is lower than many larger cities. The following figures are averages for a single student living offcampus.
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) | Annual (10months) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent & utilities) | $800 | $8,000 |
| Food | $300 | $3,000 |
| Transportation (public & car) | $150 | $1,500 |
| Personal/ Miscellaneous | $200 | $2,000 |
| Total Estimated Living Cost | $14,500 |
These numbers can vary widely based on lifestyle choices, shared housing arrangements, and transportation method.
Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Funding Options
Because the DI is a professional program, students may qualify for several types of financial support:
1. Federal Student Aid
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Up to $20,500 per academic year for graduatelevel programs; eligible for both instate and outofstate students.
- Grad PLUS Loans: Up to the cost of attendance minus any other aid received; requires a credit check.
- WorkStudy: Limited positions are available through the Universitys career services office.
2. State and Institutional Scholarships
- ISU Graduate Fellowship: Awards range from $2,000$5,000 per semester based on merit and need.
- American Dietetic Association (ADA) Scholarships: Several scholarships are open to DI candidates, such as the Emily H. Welborn Scholarship and the David A. Baines Scholarship.
- Hispanic Nutrition Association (HNAS) Scholarship for eligible students pursuing DI training.
3. Employer Sponsorships
Many healthcare organizations, school districts, and corporate foodservice companies sponsor interns in exchange for a commitment to work with them after graduation. These arrangements often cover tuition, fees, and a stipend for living costs.
4. Stipends and Allowances
ISU offers a modest stipend to offset living expenses for DI students who meet certain criteria (e.g., needbased, parttime employment with a partner agency). The stipend varies but typically ranges from $1,000$2,500 per semester.
5. Private Loans
Private lenders may provide additional funds, though interest rates are generally higher than federal loans and repayment terms may be less flexible.
Prospective interns should begin the financial aid process earlymost applications are due in early February for the Fall intake. The ISU Financial Aid Office and the Department of Nutrition Science can provide personalized counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost of the internship?
For an instate student, tuition and fees total approximately $6,200, plus an estimated $14,500 in living expenses, resulting in a total cost of about $20,700 for the 10month program. Outofstate students can expect roughly $32,800 when health insurance and higher tuition are added.
Can I receive a graduate degree while completing the DI?
The DI itself does not confer a graduate degree, but many students enroll in a concurrent masters program (e.g., M.S. in Nutrition) to earn both credentials. This typically adds an extra $5,000$8,000 in tuition.
Are there any tuition waivers?
Some partner agencies provide a tuition offset as part of the internship contract. Additionally, the ISU DI program occasionally offers a limited number of tuitionwaiver scholarships for highly qualified applicants.
Do I have to pay health insurance if I already have coverage?
No. You may submit proof of comparable coverage (minimum $50,000 deductible) to be exempt from the universitymandated health insurance fee.
When should I start applying for financial aid?
Begin the FAFSA as soon as it opens (January 1) and review ISUs Graduate Financial Aid deadlines, typically early February. Contact the DI program director by midMay to discuss scholarship opportunities.
