Culinary Arts at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR · Private nonprofit · Certificate · Culinary Arts and Related Services

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez accepts 97% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 597 in Mayaguez, PR.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $8,252 place Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez below the $23,994 national median for Culinary Arts — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 13.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Culinary Arts involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

A #135 ranking among 137 Culinary Arts programs places Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Culinary Arts reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
50
Score
51
High End
Earnings $8,252/yr (-66% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$86K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
13.8x
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
$6,238

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 Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez? 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

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez's Culinary Arts program score?
At 50/100, the score looks reasonable — but Culinary Arts is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
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.
Why are Culinary Arts earnings lower at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez?
Starting salary is one data point. If Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Culinary Arts program at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez?
Yes — 17 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Culinary Arts career paths, including Baker (Bake Produce). Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez.
Will Culinary Arts graduates from Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez find jobs?
The very large job market (789,200 annual openings) works in favor of Culinary Arts graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →