Culinary Arts at Culinary Institute of America
A 92% acceptance rate means Culinary Institute of America is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 2,988 students in Hyde Park, NY.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $28,049 at Culinary Institute of America come in 17% above the national median of $23,994 for Culinary Arts programs.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 5.8x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
The 35% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 20% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Culinary Arts graduates.
With first-year pay of $28,049 far exceeding the $12,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #105 of 137 Culinary Arts programs, Culinary Institute of America falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $28,049 to $41,224 over five years — a 47% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Culinary Arts offers 17 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Culinary Arts graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food scientists and technologists | $85,310 | +6.5% | 65% |
| Postsecondary teachers, all other | $78,490 | +1.8% | 100% |
| Food service managers | $65,310 | +6.4% | 58% |
Culinary Arts Career Guide
From day-one roles to senior positions, Culinary Arts careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering personal services.
Compare & Explore
Culinary Arts Overview
Culinary Arts at Other Schools
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.