Culinary Arts at Delaware Technical Community College-Terry

Dover, DE · Public · Associate Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services

with a mid-sized student body of 11,012 in Dover, DE.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,031 at Delaware Technical Community College-Terry come in 8% above the national median of $23,994 for Culinary Arts programs.

With a 40.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Culinary Arts carry above-average AI exposure (20% of tasks). The 32% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

A #40 ranking among 137 Culinary Arts programs places Delaware Technical Community College-Terry in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 43% earnings increase from $26,031 to $37,199 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Culinary Arts reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

64 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
64
Score
64
High End
Earnings $26,031/yr (8% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$402K
9.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
40.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
13 of 13
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$9,930
Out-of-state: $23,656
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,199
43% growth from Year 1

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%
Food scientists and technologists
$85,310
+6.5% growth 65% AI-proof
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490
+1.8% growth 100% AI-proof
Food service managers
$65,310
+6.4% growth 58% AI-proof

View all 13 career paths with full salary data →

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.

Read the full Culinary Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts Overview

Culinary Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Delaware Technical Community College-Terry

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Delaware Technical Community College-Terry's Culinary Arts program score?
At 64/100, Delaware Technical Community College-Terry's Culinary Arts program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Will AI replace Culinary Arts jobs?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Culinary Arts work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Delaware Technical Community College-Terry's score of 64/100 reflects this durability.
Can I learn Culinary Arts through an apprenticeship instead of Delaware Technical Community College-Terry?
If Delaware Technical Community College-Terry's tuition gives you pause, consider that 17 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Culinary Arts. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Culinary Arts from Delaware Technical Community College-Terry?
Job availability for Culinary Arts is strong — 789,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Delaware Technical Community College-Terry graduates specifically, local market conditions in DE may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →