Culinary Arts (Associate's Degree) at Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Median Earnings (1yr)

$27,514

66th percentile

Median Debt

$14,745

3% below national median

Analysis

Johnson & Wales University-Providence's culinary arts program delivers solid performance in a field known for modest starting salaries. With first-year earnings of $27,514, graduates earn about $1,000 more than the national average for culinary programs, placing them in the 66th percentile nationally. The debt load of $14,745 is reasonable—slightly below the national average—creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54.

The earnings trajectory looks promising, with graduates seeing 21% income growth by their fourth year, reaching $33,280. This growth rate suggests the program provides skills that become more valuable with experience. Within Rhode Island's limited culinary education landscape (just two schools), this program matches the state median for both earnings and debt, indicating competitive performance locally.

For an accessible program with an 84% admission rate, these outcomes represent good value. The combination of above-average starting salaries, below-average debt, and strong earnings growth makes this a practical choice for students serious about culinary careers. While culinary arts won't lead to six-figure salaries, Johnson & Wales provides a foundation for steady career advancement in the industry.

Where Johnson & Wales University-Providence Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all culinary arts associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Johnson & Wales University-Providence 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
Johnson & Wales University-Providence	$27,514	$33,280	+21%
Kirkwood Community College	$21,391	$38,720	+81%
Delaware Technical Community College-Terry	$26,031	$36,977	+42%
Culinary Institute of America	$28,049	$36,665	+31%
Walnut Hill College	$25,893	$35,685	+38%

Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island

Culinary Arts associates's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (2 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Johnson & Wales University-ProvidenceProvidence	$40,408	$27,514	$33,280	$14,745	0.54
Johnson & Wales University-OnlineProvidence	$13,365	$27,514	—	—	—
National Median	—	$26,446	—	$15,125	0.57

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 Johnson & Wales University-Providence, 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 415 graduates with reported earnings and 607 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.