Culinary Arts and Related Services at Southeast Community College Area
enrolling 6,235 students in Lincoln, NE.
Program Analysis
At $26,446 per year, Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates from Southeast Community College Area earn slightly above the $23,994 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 50.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Culinary Arts and Related Services programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Culinary Arts and Related Services's career paths, with 20% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 23% gap from the optimistic case.
At #27 of 137 nationally, this is a top-5% Culinary Arts and Related Services program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $26,446 to $34,047 over five years — a 29% 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.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
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 Southeast Community College Area
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.