Best Schools for Culinary Arts and Related Services

Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates earn a median of $47,882 within four years of graduating, ranking #218 out of 283 tracked majors — 23% below the median across all fields. There are 13 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 1,093 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Culinary Institute of America graduates earn $61,944 while University of North Alabama graduates earn $38,735 — a $23,209 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap. Across all fields, though, which major you pick separates earnings more than which college does.

Early career salary growth is modest: Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates see an average -3% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

Schools

$47,882

Avg. 2yr Earnings

#218

of 283 Majors

1,093

Graduates

Public vs Private: Culinary Arts and Related Services

Public (5 schools)

$45,562

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (7 schools)

$52,477

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $6,915 more in early earnings on average for Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Culinary Arts and Related Services by State

Top Culinary Arts and Related Services Schools by Graduate Earnings

Culinary Institute of America

Hyde Park, NY · Private

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI · Private

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Private

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH · Private

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

Delhi, NY · Public

SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill

Cobleskill, NY · Public

$48,346

4yr Earnings

22 grads · small sample

2yr: $29,685 (19)

1yr: $31,830 (26)

Acceptance: 83.3%

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$48,094

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 77.5%

Walnut Hill College

Philadelphia, PA · For-Profit

Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, LA · Public

Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

Paul Smiths, NY · Private

Mississippi University for Women

Columbus, MS · Public

$42,043

4yr Earnings

25 grads · small sample

University of North Alabama

Florence, AL · Public

$38,735

4yr Earnings

21 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 96.5%

#13

National Louis University

Chicago, IL · Private

$35,060

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 93.1%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants $30,704 Health/Medical Preparatory Programs $30,672 Human Biology $30,664 East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $30,626 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $30,550 Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other $30,504

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Culinary Arts and Related Services?

Culinary Institute of America ranks #1 for Culinary Arts and Related Services with median graduate earnings of $61,944 within four years of graduating. There are 13 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates earn?

Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates earn an average of $47,882 within four years of graduating. This is 23% below the median across all majors. Earnings range from $38,735 to $61,944 depending on the school.

How hard is it to get into a top Culinary Arts and Related Services program?

The average acceptance rate across Culinary Arts and Related Services programs is 89.8%. The most selective program is at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte with a 75.3% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Is a public or private school better for Culinary Arts and Related Services?

Private Culinary Arts and Related Services programs average $52,477 in early earnings vs $45,562 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders, from the field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release — Scorecard publishes the two separately.

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