Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University-Online

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services

Johnson & Wales University-Online's 54% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 1,980 students in Providence, RI.

Program Analysis

Johnson & Wales University-Online's Culinary Arts graduates start at $27,514/yr — above the $23,994 national average, though not by a wide margin.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 14.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Culinary Arts programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Culinary Arts's career paths, with 20% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 26% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #91 of 137 Culinary Arts programs, Johnson & Wales University-Online falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $27,514 to $36,778 over five years — a 34% 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.

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
54
Low End
58
Score
59
High End
Earnings $27,514/yr (15% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$390K
7.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
14.6x
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
$26,730
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,778
34% 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

What can you do with a Culinary Arts credential from Johnson & Wales University-Online? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Culinary Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts Overview

Culinary Arts at Other Schools

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Johnson & Wales University-Online's Culinary Arts program score?
At 58/100, 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 Johnson & Wales University-Online a future-proof career choice?
This is one of the more automation-resistant trades. Culinary Arts work requires physical skill and on-site presence — qualities AI cannot provide. Johnson & Wales University-Online's score of 58/100 reflects this durability.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Culinary Arts program at Johnson & Wales University-Online?
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.
How many job openings are there for Culinary Arts graduates?
Job availability for Culinary Arts is strong — 789,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Johnson & Wales University-Online graduates specifically, local market conditions in RI may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →