Location: Norfolk, VA•In-State Tuition: $5,714•Out-of-State Tuition: $11,717
Median Earnings (1yr)
$21,368
49th percentile
60th percentile in Virginia
Median Debt
$19,066
64% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.89 ManageableSample: 23 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Tidewater Community College's culinary certificate carries an unusual debt burden for a short-term credential—$19,066 is 64% higher than Virginia's typical culinary certificate debt and nearly double the national median. While first-year earnings of $21,368 beat most Virginia competitors (landing in the 60th percentile statewide), that advantage gets eroded by loan payments that will consume a meaningful chunk of take-home pay.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 means graduates face nearly a full year's salary in loans for what's meant to be a quick entry into the food service industry. Community college certificates typically run cheaper precisely because they're designed for fast workforce entry without the debt load of a bachelor's degree. Here, you're seeing debt levels that look more like a two-year associate program.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably year to year, but they should still prompt questions about financial aid packaging and whether comparable training might be available through apprenticeships or employer training programs. Given that culinary careers often value hands-on experience over credentials, parents should carefully weigh whether this particular certificate justifies borrowing nearly $20,000 when earnings peak modestly above $21,000 in year one.

Where Tidewater Community College Stands

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

Tidewater Community CollegeOther culinary arts programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Tidewater Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Tidewater Community College earns $21k — 49th percentile among culinary arts certificate programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Culinary Arts certificate's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (13 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Tidewater Community CollegeNorfolk$5,714$21,368—$19,0660.89
ECPI UniversityVirginia Beach$18,484$19,639—$9,4450.48
National Median—$21,718—$11,6340.54

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 Tidewater Community College, approximately 29% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.