Culinary Arts at Institute of Culinary Education
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
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 New York
Culinary Arts certificate's programs at peer institutions in New York (18 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institute of Culinary Education | $22,759 | $28,452 | $6,777 | 0.30 |
| Culinary Tech Center | $18,300 | — | $6,333 | 0.35 |
| Erie Community College | $15,337 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $21,718 | — | $11,634 | 0.54 |
Other Culinary Arts Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Tech Center White Plains | — | $18,300 | $6,333 |
| Erie Community College Buffalo | $6,100 | $15,337 | — |
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.