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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$22,759

57th percentile

60th percentile in California

Median Debt

$6,777

42% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Institute of Culinary Education graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Institute of Culinary Education	$22,759	$28,452	+25%
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Boulder	$25,682	$30,240	+18%
Arizona Culinary Institute	$29,223	$29,859	+2%
YTI Career Institute-York	$28,351	$29,830	+5%
Institute of Technology	$21,509	$23,814	+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Culinary Arts certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (59 total in state)

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School	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Institute of Culinary EducationPasadena	$22,759	$28,452	$6,777	0.30
Institute of TechnologyClovis	$21,509	$23,814	$9,500	0.44
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 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.