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Culinary Arts at Grand Rapids Community College

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

serving 10,530 students in Grand Rapids, MI.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,473 track close to the $23,994 national median for Culinary Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 52.2x 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 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $12,319 against $24,473/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Grand Rapids Community College ranks #31 among 137 Culinary Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $24,473-to-$42,557 earnings arc over five years reflects a 74% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

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

66 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
60
Low End
66
Score
66
High End
Earnings $24,473/yr (2% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$429K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
52.9x
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)
$8,118
Out-of-state: $23,718
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,319
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,557
74% 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

View all 137 schools offering Culinary Arts →

Culinary Arts at Other Schools

Johnson County Community College ($38,977) Southeast Community College Area ($36,734) Cincinnati State Technical and Community College ($36,330) Fox Valley Technical College ($34,736) Washtenaw Community College ($33,382) Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College ($32,602) Saint Paul College ($32,478) Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science ($32,023)

Other Majors at Grand Rapids Community College

Industrial Production Technology ($70,622) Nursing ($69,764) Criminal Justice ($59,278) Precision Metalworking ($50,089) Drafting & Design Technology ($49,865) Criminal Justice ($48,049) Allied Health Professions ($46,280) Practical Nursing ($45,946)

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare Culinary Arts degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Grand Rapids Community College's Culinary Arts program score?
A score of 66/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Culinary Arts field.
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. Grand Rapids Community College's score of 66/100 reflects this durability.
Why does Grand Rapids Community College rank so high for Culinary Arts?
The #31 ranking out of 137 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Can I learn Culinary Arts through an apprenticeship instead of Grand Rapids Community College?
There are 17 registered apprenticeships connected to Culinary Arts occupations, such as Baker (Bake Produce) and Baker (Hotel & Restaurant). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the job market like for Culinary Arts from Grand Rapids Community College?
At 789,200 annual openings, Culinary Arts has a very large employment base. Grand Rapids Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →