Culinary Arts at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Associate Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services

A 81% acceptance rate means Ferris State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,692 at Ferris State University come in 11% above the national median of $23,994 for Culinary Arts programs.

The 10.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

With only 20% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for Culinary Arts are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.

The $20,500 debt-to-$26,692 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #103 out of 137 programs, Ferris State University's financial outcomes for Culinary Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

With 17 registered apprenticeships mapped to Culinary Arts, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

56 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
56
Score
56
High End
Earnings $26,692/yr (11% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$279K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
10.2x
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
$27,260
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings

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

Explore what Culinary Arts graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 137 programs nationwide.

Read the full Culinary Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts Overview

Culinary Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ferris State University

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Culinary Arts at Ferris State University?
At 56/100, the score looks reasonable — but Culinary Arts is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Is Culinary Arts from Ferris State University a future-proof career choice?
Highly resilient. Culinary Arts careers are fundamentally hands-on — they require physical presence and manual skill that AI cannot replicate. Ferris State University graduates retain 13 of 13 viable career paths even under conservative assumptions.
Are there apprenticeship options for Culinary Arts?
Beyond Ferris State University's classroom route, 17 registered apprenticeships map to Culinary Arts careers — including Baker (Bake Produce). Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Is there demand for Culinary Arts workers?
With approximately 789,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Culinary Arts offers a very large employment pool. Ferris State University graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →