Culinary Arts and Related Services at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

Okmulgee, OK · Public · Associate Degree

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 and Related Services 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 and Related Services 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 and Related Services 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 and Related Services 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 and Related Services 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 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%
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 →

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 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 and Related Services program score?
This program scores 61/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates.
How safe is Culinary Arts and Related Services from automation?
Culinary Arts and Related Services rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 20% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Are there apprenticeship options for Culinary Arts and Related Services?
Culinary Arts and Related Services connects to 17 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Is there demand for Culinary Arts and Related Services workers?
The career paths mapped to Culinary Arts and Related Services have roughly 789,200 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →