Culinary Arts at Institute of Culinary Education
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
The Institute of Culinary Education delivers something rare in culinary training: strong earnings growth paired with manageable debt. While graduates start at $22,759—slightly above both national and California medians—they see impressive 25% income growth by year four, reaching $28,452. This trajectory outpaces most culinary programs and suggests the school's industry connections and practical training translate into career advancement opportunities.
The financial picture is particularly attractive compared to typical culinary programs. At $6,777, student debt runs well below California's median of $8,138 and far under the national average of $11,634. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 means graduates can realistically pay off loans within a few years rather than struggling with the debt burdens that plague many culinary school graduates elsewhere.
For parents worried about their child entering a notoriously low-paying field, this program offers a viable path. The combination of reasonable debt and steady earnings growth—ranking in the 60th percentile among California culinary programs—creates a foundation for financial stability. While culinary careers will never rival tech salaries, this program positions graduates to build sustainable livelihoods in food service without crushing debt loads.
Where Institute of Culinary Education Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all culinary arts certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Institute of Culinary Education graduates compare to all programs nationally
Institute of Culinary Education graduates earn $23k, placing them in the 57th percentile of all culinary arts certificate programs nationally.
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 California
Culinary Arts certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (59 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institute of Culinary Education | $22,759 | $28,452 | $6,777 | 0.30 |
| Institute of Technology | $21,509 | $23,814 | $9,500 | 0.44 |
| National Median | $21,718 | — | $11,634 | 0.54 |
Other Culinary Arts Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institute of Technology Clovis | — | $21,509 | $9,500 |
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 Institute of Culinary Education, approximately 30% 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 414 graduates with reported earnings and 455 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.