Estimated Cost and Financial Aid

The expenses listed are approximates as of fall 2023. Actual cost may be more or less than these estimates. Cost will vary based on student need and are subject to increase.

Monthly Living Expenses

  • Housing (minimum): $800
  • Other essentials: $300
  • Transportation: $450
  • Miscellaneous supplies, parking, copying fees: $100

Estimated monthly total: $1,650

Minimum Program Expenses

Based on two long semesters (taking 12 credit hours each semester) and one summer sessions (6 credit hours) for a total of 30 credits required for the DI/M.S. program.

  • Insurance
  • Student malpractice insurance: $35
  • Health insurance (student policy): $2,500
  • Lamar University tuition and fees: $10,000 (Texas resident or out-of-state e-tuition rate)
  • Textbooks and reference books: $500
  • Criminal background check and drug testing: $150
  • Immunizations: $200
  • Appropriate professional clothing: $250
  • Student membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: $58
  • Hand calculator: $10
  • Registration and expenses for Texas ACE: $400
  • Inman Review: $385
  • Application fee for registration exam: $200
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics membership: $234              

Estimated total program costs: $14,914

Withdrawal/Dismissal and Refund of Tuition/Fees

Dietetic interns may withdrawal from the Lamar University dietetic internship program at any time. The program director will request the intern withdraw from the program in writing. If an intern withdraws from the program, LU tuition and fees may be refunded based on the LU tuition refund policy.

No refunds will be given for application fees, computer-matching fees, or other costs incurred to prepare for supervised practice, such as required immunizations, insurance, TB skin test, background checking, drug test, etc. LU tuition and fees may not be refunded if past the late drop and withdrawal deadlines.

Dietetic interns can be dismissed from the program as outlined in the program dismissal section of the handbook. The program director or department chair will notify the intern in writing. LU tuition and fees may be refunded based on the LU tuition refund policy.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships to qualified students. Applications should be requested from the foundation during the student's senior year.

Lamar University dietetic interns are also eligible to apply for department and graduate school scholarships. Dietetic interns are eligible to apply for student loans and to apply for loan deferment.

Visit Financial Aid

Student Financial Responsibility

Interns will be responsible for all personal and professional expenses. Students should expect to assume the following expenses during the DI/M.S. program:

  • Pre-internship expenses: Immunizations, physical exam, criminal background check, drug screen and CPR certification.
  • Housing and utilities
  • Food
  • Student malpractice and personal liability insurance during the DI/MS: Group liability insurance is obtained by the department, but each student must assume responsibility for paying the student premium prior to beginning the program.
  • Health care insurance: No health insurance is provided by the program. Coverage must be independently obtained and paid by the student. Health and accident coverage is available through Lamar University. Information may be obtained from the Student Health Center in the Division of Student Engagement.
  • Automobile liability insurance
  • Reliable transportation: Public transportation is not available to most rotation sites.
  • Clothing, shoes, lab coats, etc., as indicated in handbook section on personal appearance.
  • Miscellaneous supplies, printer fees, and parking fees at some facilities
  • Textbooks, reference books and calculator.
  • Lamar University tuition and fees, including any associated late fees
  • Affiliate/student membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Registration and expenses for professional meetings: Including but not limited to the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference and Exhibition and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Food and Nutrition Conference and Exhibition.
  • Application fee for the Registration Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists
  • Application fee for active membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics