Culinary Arts (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Florida Education Institute

Median Earnings (1yr)

$20,531

45th percentile

40th percentile in Florida

Median Debt

$9,500

18% below national median

Analysis

Florida Education Institute's culinary certificate leaves graduates earning less than most alternatives in a state with 50 competing programs. At $20,531 first-year, students trail the Florida median by about $1,400 and rank in just the 40th percentile statewide. More concerning, nearby technical colleges deliver significantly stronger outcomes—Manatee Technical's graduates earn over $6,600 more annually, and even Atlantic Technical in South Florida beats this program by $5,000.

The debt burden adds another layer of challenge. While $9,500 might sound manageable, it's higher than both state and national medians for culinary certificates, placing this program in the 75th percentile for debt nationally. Given that half the students here receive Pell grants, these graduates are starting at a disadvantage in a field notorious for slim margins and demanding hours. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means nearly half a year's wages go toward paying off the credential.

For a family weighing culinary school options in Florida, this program doesn't make financial sense. The state's public technical colleges consistently produce better-earning graduates at similar or lower cost. If your child is set on culinary training in Miami, at least compare job placement rates and industry connections carefully—because the earnings data suggests this certificate isn't opening the doors it should.

Where Florida Education Institute Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all culinary arts certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Florida Education Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Culinary Arts certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (50 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Florida Education InstituteMiami	$20,531	—	$9,500	0.46
Manatee Technical CollegeBradenton	$27,210	—	—	—
Atlantic Technical CollegeCoconut Creek	$25,586	$27,408	—	—
Pinellas Technical College-ClearwaterClearwater	$21,965	—	—	—
William T McFatter Technical CollegeDavie	$15,021	$22,851	—	—
National Median	$21,718	—	$11,634	0.54

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with culinary arts graduates

Food Scientists and Technologists

Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Food Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves food and beverages.

$65,310/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Chefs and Head Cooks

Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

$60,990/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Butchers and Meat Cutters

Cut, trim, or prepare consumer-sized portions of meat for use or sale in retail establishments.

$38,960/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Bakers

Mix and bake ingredients to produce breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, or other baked goods.

$36,650/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

Prepare and cook large quantities of food for institutions, such as schools, hospitals, or cafeterias.

$35,760/yrJobs growth:

Cooks, Private Household

Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.

$35,760/yrJobs growth:

Cooks, Restaurant

Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.

$35,760/yrJobs growth:

Cooks, All Other

All cooks not listed separately.

$35,760/yrJobs growth:

Bartenders

Mix and serve drinks to patrons, directly or through waitstaff.

$33,530/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Postsecondary Teachers, All Other

All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.

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 Florida Education Institute, approximately 52% 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 73 graduates with reported earnings and 93 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.