Find Trade Colleges
2026 Best Value Culinary Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Culinary Arts associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 550 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Trade College analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Culinary Arts Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Johnson County Community College to be the best-value Culinary Arts school in the United States. This public school is set in Overland Park, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Johnson County Community College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $13,532 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,387. Set against $13,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Johnson County Community College profile
You'll get strong value at Chippewa Valley Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Chippewa Valley Technical College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $14,234 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $14,234 median debt. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
You'll get strong value at Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College, which ranked #3 this year. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,326. Graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
You'll get strong value at Southeast Community College Area, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Southeast Community College Area Culinary Arts students take on a median of $19,146 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southeast Community College Area report
A rank of #5 makes Clover Park Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,634. Graduates carry a median of $15,154 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,787. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Clover Park Technical College
Lee College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Set in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,520, while out-of-state students pay about $5,045. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $10,941. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,178. That is a strong return on a $10,941 median debt. More on Lee College
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. El Centro College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $9,218 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. Set against $9,218 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full El Centro College profile
Madison Area Technical College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,812 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. Set against $16,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Waukesha County Technical College placed #9 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $16,595. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,595 median debt. Read more about Waukesha County Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, compared with $6,092 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,048 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Gwinnett Technical College profile
Athens Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Athens Technical College is a public school based in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,390, compared with $5,958 for out-of-state students. Athens Technical College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Athens Technical College
Delgado Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Set in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,279. Delgado Community College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $32,125 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,305 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Delgado Community College
Oakland Community College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $15,865. Median earnings reach $37,395 ten years out. Set against $15,865 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Oakland Community College report
Gateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Gateway Technical College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $14,829 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,264. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Gateway Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Fox Valley Technical College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $14,234 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,684. Set against $14,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Fox Valley Technical College report
Schoolcraft College placed #17 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Located in Livonia, MI, Schoolcraft College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,799, while out-of-state students pay about $6,501. Students borrow a median of $15,750 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,722 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,750 median debt. More on Schoolcraft College
South Plains College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,733 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. South Plains College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $13,788 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full South Plains College report
Georgia Northwestern Technical College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Set in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,492 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,759 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,492 median debt. Get the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College report
Cerritos College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Cerritos College is a public school based in Norwalk, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, compared with $12,004 for out-of-state students. Cerritos College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $11,306 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,156 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,306 median debt. More on Cerritos College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,480 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. Students borrow a median of $10,864 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,864. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Southern Maine Community College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in South Portland, ME. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,156, compared with $7,036 for out-of-state students. Southern Maine Community College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $13,869 in debt. Southern Maine Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,661 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,869 median debt. Read the full report on Southern Maine Community College
Kirkwood Community College placed #24 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Set in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $15,375. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,016. Set against $15,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Kirkwood Community College report
Grayson College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Denison, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,000, while out-of-state students pay about $6,300. Students borrow a median of $11,627 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Median earnings reach $40,873 ten years out. Set against $11,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Grayson College
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College placed #26 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Based in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,517 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,044 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $12,145. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,137 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cincinnati State Technical And Community College
San Jacinto Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. San Jacinto Community College is a public school based in Pasadena, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $11,376. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,062. That is a strong return on a $11,376 median debt. More on San Jacinto Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Culinary Arts Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Milwaukee Area Technical College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,184, compared with $7,427 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $19,386. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,113 ten years after entry. Set against $19,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Milwaukee Area Technical College report
Ogeechee Technical College placed #29 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Based in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,388 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,956. Ogeechee Technical College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $11,894 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,248 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,894 median debt. Read the full report on Ogeechee Technical College
Des Moines Area Community College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Des Moines Area Community College is a public school based in Ankeny, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Des Moines Area Community College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $11,167 in debt. Des Moines Area Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,018 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,167 median debt. More on Des Moines Area Community College
Del Mar College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Corpus Christi, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,500, with out-of-state students paying around $6,050. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $7,476. Median earnings reach $38,656 ten years out. Set against $7,476 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Del Mar College
North Shore Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Based in Danvers, MA, North Shore Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,352, compared with $10,920 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,145 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,391. Set against $14,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full North Shore Community College profile
West Georgia Technical College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Located in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $12,651. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on West Georgia Technical College
Southern Crescent Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,516, while out-of-state students pay about $6,084. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $17,619. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,104. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Southern Crescent Technical College
Savannah Technical College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Based in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. Savannah Technical College alumni report median earnings of $33,018 a decade after entry. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Savannah Technical College
Wake Technical Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Set in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,254, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. Graduates carry a median of $13,226 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,769 ten years after entry. Set against $13,226 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wake Technical Community College
Brookdale Community College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,270, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $12,651. Brookdale Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,379 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt. Read more about Brookdale Community College
Ozarks Technical Community College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $4,256 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,040 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $10,501. Ozarks Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,455 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ozarks Technical Community College
Atlanta Technical College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,382, with out-of-state students paying around $5,950. Students borrow a median of $17,655 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,350. Set against $17,655 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Atlanta Technical College
Southwestern Oregon Community College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Set in Coos Bay, OR, Southwestern Oregon Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,192. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southwestern Oregon Community College report
Columbus Technical College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Columbus Technical College is a public school based in Columbus, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,052, while out-of-state students pay about $7,262. Columbus Technical College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $15,845 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,238. Set against $15,845 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Columbus Technical College profile
Miami Dade College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Miami, FL, Miami Dade College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,838, while out-of-state students pay about $9,661. Graduates carry a median of $10,882 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,654. That is a strong return on a $10,882 median debt. See the full Miami Dade College profile
Lanier Technical College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Based in Gainesville, GA, Lanier Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,980 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,190. Lanier Technical College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $12,278 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,623 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lanier Technical College report
Western Iowa Tech Community College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,186, while out-of-state students pay about $5,330. Graduates carry a median of $12,530 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,473 ten years after entry. Set against $12,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Houston Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,040, compared with $5,460 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $26,217. Median earnings reach $39,254 ten years out. Set against $26,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Houston Community College profile
Bristol Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fall River, MA, Bristol Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,832, compared with $10,776 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $9,482. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,663. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Bristol Community College
Central Piedmont Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,792, with out-of-state students paying around $8,936. Graduates carry a median of $11,861 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,865. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Piedmont Community College
Central Carolina Community College placed #50 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Based in Sanford, NC, Central Carolina Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,711 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,855. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $10,266. Median earnings reach $33,525 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,266 median debt. Get the full Central Carolina Community College report
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public school based in Indiana, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus Culinary Arts students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,019 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Atlantic Cape Community College placed #52 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Based in Mays Landing, NJ, Atlantic Cape Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,594, while out-of-state students pay about $8,350. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,241. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Atlantic Cape Community College profile
Kalamazoo Valley Community College placed #53 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,144, compared with $9,094 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $14,382. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,618. That is a strong return on a $14,382 median debt. Read the full report on Kalamazoo Valley Community College
National Louis University came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,245. Graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,799 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full National Louis University report
Related Culinary Arts Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Culinary Arts Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Culinary Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Culinary Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Culinary Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Culinary Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Culinary Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Culinary Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 550 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
TradeCollege.org provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. TradeCollege.org is a for-profit site, and the displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© TradeCollege.org – All Rights Reserved.