Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Culinary Arts associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (15 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Henry Ford College$20,693
Washtenaw Community College$33,382$24,642
Schoolcraft Community College District$27,248$31,826$15,7500.58
Kalamazoo Valley Community College$26,843$14,3820.54
Ferris State University$26,692$23,2510.87
Northwestern Michigan College$26,586$28,685$14,1990.53
National Median$26,446$15,1250.57

Other Culinary Arts Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Washtenaw Community College
Ann Arbor
$2,736$33,382
Schoolcraft Community College District
Livonia
$4,448$27,248$15,750
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kalamazoo
$4,046$26,843$14,382
Ferris State University
Big Rapids
$13,630$26,692$23,251
Northwestern Michigan College
Traverse City
$5,350$26,586$14,199

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 Henry Ford College, approximately 45% 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.