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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$22,759

57th percentile

60th percentile in New York

Median Debt

$6,777

42% below national median

Analysis

The Institute of Culinary Education stands out among New York's culinary programs, with graduates earning 55% more than the state median of $18,300. While starting salaries around $23,000 might seem modest, this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide and shows impressive 25% earnings growth over four years—reaching $28,452 by year four, well above both national and state averages.

The debt picture tells an even better story. At $6,777, graduates carry roughly half the national average debt for culinary programs ($11,634), creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30. This low debt burden is crucial in a field where many programs saddle students with $15,000+ in loans for similar or lower starting salaries. Among the 18 culinary programs in New York, ICE clearly delivers superior outcomes compared to competitors like Erie Community College, whose graduates earn just $15,337.

For parents considering culinary education, this program offers a rare combination: above-average earnings potential with below-average debt risk. The strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates develop marketable skills that translate into career advancement, making this a solid investment in New York's competitive culinary market.

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%
Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia	$24,128	$28,564	+18%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

Culinary Arts certificate's programs at peer institutions in New York (18 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Institute of Culinary EducationNew York	—	$22,759	$28,452	$6,777	0.30
Culinary Tech CenterWhite Plains	—	$18,300	—	$6,333	0.35
Erie Community CollegeBuffalo	$6,100	$15,337	—	—	—
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 21% 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.