Culinary Arts at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

Okmulgee, OK · Public · Associate Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services

a compact campus enrolling 2,131 students in Okmulgee, OK.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,272 at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology come in 5% above the national median of $23,994 for Culinary Arts programs.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 33.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Culinary Arts programs nationally.

The 32% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 20% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Culinary Arts graduates.

Median debt of $14,167 represents roughly 7 months of the $25,272 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

At #60 of 137 Culinary Arts programs, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $25,272 to $35,970 over five years — a 42% 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.

61 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
57
Low End
61
Score
62
High End
Earnings $25,272/yr (5% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$388K
9.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
33.6x
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 (In-State)
$11,548
Out-of-state: $22,768
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,167
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,970
42% 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 Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology? 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

Other Majors at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology's Culinary Arts program score?
This program scores 61/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Culinary Arts graduates.
How safe is Culinary Arts from automation?
For Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology graduates, AI risk is minimal. Culinary Arts rated "AI-Proof" — 80% of the work involves hands-on skills that current AI simply can't perform.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Culinary Arts graduates?
The DOL recognizes 17 apprenticeship pathways related to Culinary Arts. For students weighing Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Culinary Arts workers?
With approximately 789,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Culinary Arts offers a very large employment pool. Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →