Hyde Park, NY · Private University
Is Culinary Institute of America Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$47,475
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$38,410
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,410
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$153,640
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.24x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
12.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
64.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$31,864
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Culinary Institute of America graduates earn $2,475 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Culinary Institute of America ranked by graduate earnings
49 graduates
317 graduates
54 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Culinary Institute of America
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts and Related ServicesBest ROI(1yr data) | $43,808 | 1.1x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $42,904 | 1.1x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other(1yr data) | $32,450 | 0.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Culinary Institute of America delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $47,475 10 years after starting, $2,475 above the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 12.3 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.