Culinary Arts at National Louis University

National Louis University's culinary program starts graduates at a concerning $24,786—below both the national median ($26,446) and the Illinois median ($25,869). That's a tough launch in expensive Chicago, where cost of living matters. The $17,500 in debt isn't catastrophic, but with a 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates face nearly nine months of income just to clear their loans.

The silver lining is genuine: earnings jump 44% by year four, reaching $35,560. That's meaningful growth in an industry where advancement often requires years of kitchen experience. However, the starting point matters—nearby Joliet Junior College gets graduates to $28,252 right away, a $3,500 head start that compounds over time. Among Illinois culinary programs, National Louis sits at the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten alternatives perform better.

For a family considering this $17,500 investment, the question is whether that four-year growth trajectory justifies the slow start. The high Pell grant rate (57%) suggests many students here are betting on culinary careers with limited alternatives. If your child is committed to the culinary field and this is their most accessible option, it can work—but they should expect lean early years and understand they're not starting from the strongest position compared to other Illinois schools.