Culinary Arts at University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College

North Little Rock, AR · Public · Associate Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services

with a smaller student body of 3,791 in North Little Rock, AR.

Program Analysis

At $25,597 per year, Culinary Arts graduates from University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College earn slightly above the $23,994 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 33.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 20% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Culinary Arts graduates.

The $17,953 debt-to-$25,597 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #54 out of 137 programs, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College's Culinary Arts offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $25,597 to $31,202 shows 22% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 17 registered apprenticeships mapped to Culinary Arts, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

62 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
62
Score
62
High End
Earnings $25,597/yr (7% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$323K
5.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
33.3x
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)
$9,696
Out-of-state: $14,496
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,953
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,202
22% 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 University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College? 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 University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College's Culinary Arts program score?
At 62/100, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College's Culinary Arts program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Culinary Arts from University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College a future-proof career choice?
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.
Are there apprenticeship options for Culinary Arts?
The DOL recognizes 17 apprenticeship pathways related to Culinary Arts. For students weighing University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Culinary Arts from University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College?
With approximately 789,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Culinary Arts offers a very large employment pool. University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →