Culinary Arts at Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia

Columbia, MD · Private for-profit · Certificate · Culinary Arts and Related Services

a compact campus enrolling 1,075 students in Columbia, MD.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,128 track close to the $23,994 national median for Culinary Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Career paths for Culinary Arts carry above-average AI exposure (20% of tasks). The 31% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $12,096 against $24,128/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #66 ranking among 137 Culinary Arts programs places Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 41% earnings increase from $24,128 to $33,904 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.

60 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
60
Score
61
High End
Earnings $24,128/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$364K
8.9% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$12,096
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,904
41% 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 Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia's Culinary Arts program score?
This program scores 60/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Culinary Arts graduates.
How AI-proof is a career in Culinary Arts?
AI resilience is a strength here. Only 20% of Culinary Arts tasks overlap with AI capabilities, and 13 of 13 career paths remain viable even in our most conservative scenario.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Culinary Arts graduates?
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.
Is there demand for Culinary Arts workers?
Job availability for Culinary Arts is strong — 789,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia graduates specifically, local market conditions in MD may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →