Location: Augusta, GA•In-State Tuition: $17,924
Median Earnings (1yr)
$25,261
33rd percentile
60th percentile in Georgia
Median Debt
$20,000
32% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.79 ManageableSample: 96 graduates

Analysis

Helms College graduates start at $25,261—nearly $4,000 above Georgia's median for culinary arts programs and ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. That's meaningful context for an in-state decision, where this program outperforms most Georgia alternatives despite falling slightly below the national average.

The $20,000 debt load sits at Georgia's median and well below the national figure of $15,125 for culinary programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79, graduates owe less than one year's salary, which is manageable for an entry-level culinary position. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests consistent outcomes rather than outliers driving these numbers.

The tradeoff here is straightforward: you're paying for accessibility and better-than-average Georgia outcomes in a field where earnings start modest across the board. With 44% of students receiving Pell grants, Helms serves students who might otherwise struggle to access culinary training. For Georgia families weighing in-state options, this program delivers competitive value—just understand that culinary careers typically require time to build earning potential through experience and advancement.

Where Helms College Stands

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

Helms CollegeOther culinary arts programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Helms College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Helms College earns $25k — 33th percentile among culinary arts associates programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Culinary Arts associates's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (18 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Helms CollegeAugusta$17,924$25,261—$20,0000.79
North Georgia Technical CollegeClarkesville$3,162$17,383———
National Median—$26,446—$15,1250.57

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 Helms College, approximately 44% 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 96 graduates with reported earnings and 101 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.