Culinary Arts at NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Bentonville, AR · Public · Certificate · Culinary Arts and Related Services

with a smaller student body of 4,632 in Bentonville, AR.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,996 at NorthWest Arkansas Community College come in 8% above the national median of $23,994 for Culinary Arts programs.

The 91.2x 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.

Ranked #7 out of 137 programs, NorthWest Arkansas Community College's Culinary Arts program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

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

74 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
72
Low End
74
Score
74
High End
Earnings $25,996/yr (8% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$272K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
91.2x
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 (In-State)
$2,982
Out-of-state: $5,022

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

Culinary Arts opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Culinary Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts Overview

Culinary Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Culinary Arts at NorthWest Arkansas Community College?
A score of 74/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. NorthWest Arkansas Community College's Culinary Arts graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Is Culinary Arts from NorthWest Arkansas Community College a future-proof career choice?
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.
Why does NorthWest Arkansas Community College rank so high for Culinary Arts?
Among 137 Culinary Arts programs, NorthWest Arkansas Community College's #7 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Culinary Arts program at NorthWest Arkansas 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.
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 NorthWest Arkansas Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in AR may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →