Best Schools for Culinary Arts and Related Services

Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates earn a median of $29,544 within two years of graduation, ranking #222 out of 283 tracked majors — 18% below the median across all fields. There are 8 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 1,202 recent graduates.

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.

8
Schools
$29,544
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#222
of 283 Majors
1,202
Graduates

Public vs Private: Culinary Arts and Related Services

Public (3 schools)
$27,421
avg. 2yr earnings
Private (4 schools)
$31,870
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $4,449 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

#1
N

National Louis University

Chicago, IL · Private

$35,060
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 93.1%
#2
S

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH · Private

$34,526
2yr Earnings
1yr: $37,855
Grads: 41
Acceptance: 96.1%
#3
W

Walnut Hill College

Philadelphia, PA · For-Profit

$32,391
2yr Earnings
1yr: $34,514
Grads: 51
Acceptance: 95.0%
#4
S

SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill

Cobleskill, NY · Public

$29,685
2yr Earnings
1yr: $31,830
Grads: 26
Acceptance: 83.3%
#5
J

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI · Private

$29,511
2yr Earnings
1yr: $30,833
Grads: 398
Acceptance: 83.7%
#6
P

Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science

Paul Smiths, NY · Private

$28,381
2yr Earnings
1yr: $31,439
Grads: 34
Acceptance: 90.7%
#7
N

Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, LA · Public

$26,997
2yr Earnings
1yr: $26,055
Grads: 42
Acceptance: 96.0%
#8
M

Mississippi University for Women

Columbus, MS · Public

$25,580
2yr Earnings
1yr: $22,587
Grads: 26
Acceptance: 100.0%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Culinary Arts and Related Services?
National Louis University ranks #1 for Culinary Arts and Related Services with median graduate earnings of $35,060 within two years. There are 8 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 $29,544 within two years of graduation. This is 18% below the median across all majors. Earnings range from $25,580 to $35,060 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 92.2%. The most selective program is at SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill with a 83.3% 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 $31,870 in early earnings vs $27,421 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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