Culinary Arts at Sullivan University

Louisville, KY · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services

with a smaller student body of 2,498 in Louisville, KY.

Program Analysis

Sullivan University's Culinary Arts program produces graduates earning $24,292/yr — within striking distance of the $23,994 national average for this trade.

With a 12.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 28% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Culinary Arts career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $14,727 against $24,292/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #111 ranking among 137 Culinary Arts programs places Sullivan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 37% earnings increase from $24,292 to $33,261 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

55 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
55
Score
55
High End
Earnings $24,292/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$355K
8.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
12.5x
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
$28,440
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,727
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,261
37% 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 Sullivan University? 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 Sullivan University

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Culinary Arts at Sullivan University?
At 55/100, 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 safe is Culinary Arts from automation?
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.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Culinary Arts graduates?
If Sullivan University's tuition gives you pause, consider that 17 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Culinary Arts. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
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 Sullivan University graduates specifically, local market conditions in KY may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →