Median Earnings (1yr)
$26,952
58th percentile (60th in IL)
Sample Size
18
Limited data

Earnings Distribution

How College of DuPage graduates compare to all programs nationally

College of DuPage graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 58th percentile of all culinary arts associates programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Culinary Arts associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (19 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
College of DuPage$26,952
Joliet Junior College$28,252$16,3750.58
National Louis University$24,786$35,560$17,5000.71
City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College$19,447$6,2850.32
National Median$26,446$15,1250.57

Other Culinary Arts Programs in Illinois

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Joliet Junior College
Joliet
$4,530$28,252$16,375
National Louis University
Chicago
$12,345$24,786$17,500
City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College
Chicago
$4,380$19,447$6,285

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At College of DuPage, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 13 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.