Culinary Institute of America
Culinary Institute of America — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Culinary Institute of America Worth It?
At a value score of 21/100, Culinary Institute of America is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,475 — 12% below average — while paying $36,113/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 64% graduation rate means roughly 36% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With a 91% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Culinary Institute of America has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Culinary Institute of America compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #71 of 81 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #3 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #4 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | 54 | $15,404 | $57,273 |
| #5 | University of St Thomas | 53 | $19,359 | $59,224 |
| #6 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #71 | Culinary Institute of America | 21 | $36,113 | $47,475 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Culinary Institute of America's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in NY.
Best Programs at Culinary Institute of America
The highest-earning program at Culinary Institute of America is Hospitality Administration/Management at $37,100/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Hospitality Administration/Management graduate from Culinary Institute of America earns $37,100, while a Hospitality Administration/Management graduate earns $37,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Hospitality Administration/Management graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Hospitality Administration/Management.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $36,113/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $37,100 | $37,100 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Hyde Park, NY
- Student Body
- 3,011 students
- Admission Rate
- 91%
- Graduation Rate
- 64%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $36,113
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,475
- Median Student Debt
- $15,750