Culinary Arts and Related Services at Kirkwood Community College
enrolling 7,438 students in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $21,391/yr, roughly in line with the $23,994 national median for Culinary Arts and Related Services. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 31.0x 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.
AI exposure is significant at 20% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.
With first-year pay of $21,391 far exceeding the $9,511 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #85 out of 137 programs, Kirkwood Community College's financial outcomes for Culinary Arts and Related Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $21,391 to $40,714 over five years (90% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.
With 17 registered apprenticeships mapped to Culinary Arts and Related Services, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
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
Culinary Arts and Related Services at Other Schools
Other Majors at Kirkwood Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.