Culinary Arts at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

A $20,000 debt load for a culinary arts associate's degree that generates $28,000 in annual earnings sits at the high end of what's manageable, though graduates here aren't seeing the income growth you'd want to justify that price. The program ranks in the top quarter nationally, which sounds impressive until you realize it's actually below the median for Florida—where Miami Dade and Hillsborough Community College graduates earn 10-15% more right out of the gate. That gap matters when you're making less than $30,000 annually.

The stagnant earnings pattern from year one to year four is particularly concerning in culinary fields, where skill development and networking typically lead to better positions and pay over time. At competing Florida programs, many graduates see meaningful wage growth in those early years. Combined with debt that's higher than 91% of comparable programs nationally, this creates a tight financial squeeze that could last years.

For families considering this program, the question comes down to what you're getting for that premium over community college alternatives. Unless there are specific industry connections or placement advantages that justify the difference, your child might build the same culinary skills elsewhere while taking on $10,000 less debt—and potentially earning more from day one.