Culinary Arts at Florida Education Institute

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.