Culinary Arts and Related Services 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 and Related Services 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 and Related Services 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 and Related Services 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 and Related Services 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 and Related Services 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% |
About Culinary Arts and Related Services Careers
Your career will likely begin in the controlled chaos of a professional kitchen. As a restaurant cook, you'll spend your days prepping ingredients with precision and working the line during a busy service, mastering the grill, sauté pans, and fryer. This path is seeing incredible growth, with huge demand for skilled cooks.
Read the full Culinary Arts and Related Services career guide →
Compare & Explore
Culinary Arts and Related Services Overview
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Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.