Culinary Arts at Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga

Miller-Motte's culinary certificate delivers earnings that track the national average but fall short of Tennessee's state median by nearly $2,000 annually. While graduates start at $21,827—right in line with what culinary certificate holders earn nationally—they're actually trailing behind the typical Tennessee culinary program, ranking in just the 40th percentile statewide. For parents comparing in-state options, programs like Remington College-Memphis demonstrate Tennessee culinary graduates can earn $3,500 more with similar credentials.

The debt picture is reasonable at $11,600, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53. The 20% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates do gain traction in the field over time, climbing to $26,074. However, even with this growth, they're still earning less than what graduates from stronger Tennessee programs make right out of the gate.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether the convenience of a Chattanooga location justifies accepting below-average outcomes for Tennessee. The debt is manageable, and serving a predominantly Pell-eligible student body (85%) is admirable, but if your child has access to other Tennessee culinary programs, the state data suggests they'll likely see better returns on their investment elsewhere.