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2026 Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Schools
Looking for the best-value Personal And Culinary Services programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2008 schools 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 arm you with the information you need, Trade College analyzed schools to compile 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 Personal And Culinary Services Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Clover Park Technical College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services programs schools in the United States. Set in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,634. Clover Park Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,787. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Clover Park Technical College
A rank of #2 makes Johnson County Community College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Johnson County Community College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $5,424 in debt. Johnson County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,387 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,424 median debt. More on Johnson County Community College
Out of the 2008 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #3 spot. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,326 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,875 in student loans. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,399 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,875 median debt. Read more about Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
You'll get strong value at El Centro College, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. El Centro College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $9,218 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,714 ten years out. Set against $9,218 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about El Centro College
Out of the 2008 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the #5 spot. This public school is set 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. Students borrow a median of $9,395 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Chippewa Valley Technical College profile
Lee College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $10,941. Lee College alumni report median earnings of $42,178 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,941 median debt. More on Lee College
Southeast Community College Area landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Students borrow a median of $19,146 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,405 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,146 median debt. Read the full report on Southeast Community College Area
Waukesha County Technical College placed #8 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Waukesha County Technical College is a public school based in Pewaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Students borrow a median of $9,750 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. Set against $9,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
Madison Area Technical College placed #9 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $8,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,413. Set against $8,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Athens Technical College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,390, while out-of-state students pay about $5,958. Graduates carry a median of $8,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,951. Set against $8,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Athens Technical College
Mid State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,002, while out-of-state students pay about $7,171. Graduates carry a median of $6,081 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,253 ten years after entry. Set against $6,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Mid State Technical College
Ridgewater College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,121. Ridgewater College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $9,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,827 ten years after entry. Set against $9,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ridgewater College
Gwinnett Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,524 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $16,349. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,025. That is a strong return on a $16,349 median debt. Get the full Gwinnett Technical College report
South Plains College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,733, while out-of-state students pay about $5,157. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $11,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,276. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on South Plains College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Based in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,926, while out-of-state students pay about $7,169. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,406 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College profile
Arkansas State University Newport landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Newport, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,312, compared with $4,752 for out-of-state students. Arkansas State University Newport Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $7,250 in debt. Arkansas State University Newport alumni report median earnings of $41,524 a decade after entry. Set against $7,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Newport
Georgia Northwestern Technical College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public school based in Rome, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $8,492. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College profile
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College placed #19 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Valdosta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,480, with out-of-state students paying around $6,048. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $10,864. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,864 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wiregrass Georgia Technical College report
West Georgia Technical College placed #20 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,410, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $8,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,479 ten years after entry. Set against $8,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on West Georgia Technical College
Kansas City Kansas Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Based in Kansas City, KS, Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,996 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,482. Graduates carry a median of $8,235 in student loans. Kansas City Kansas Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,795 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,235 median debt. More on Kansas City Kansas Community College
Howard College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Howard College is a public school based in Big Spring, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,766, with out-of-state students paying around $6,716. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $14,242. Median earnings reach $38,382 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Howard College
Gateway Technical College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $7,958. Median earnings reach $40,264 ten years out. Set against $7,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Gateway Technical College
San Jacinto Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Located in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,490 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $8,791. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,062. Set against $8,791 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full San Jacinto Community College profile
Piedmont Technical College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Greenwood, SC. Students from in state pay about $4,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,923. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $17,652. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,768. That is a strong return on a $17,652 median debt. More on Piedmont Technical College
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins placed #27 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public school based in Warner Robins, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,448, compared with $6,016 for out-of-state students. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $7,217. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,848. Set against $7,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Personal And Culinary Services Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Oconee Fall Line Technical College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Sandersville, GA, Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,380, while out-of-state students pay about $5,948. Students borrow a median of $12,718 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Median earnings reach $30,899 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Oakland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Oakland Community College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $15,865 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,395 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,865 median debt. More on Oakland Community College
Houston Community College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,040, compared with $5,460 for out-of-state students. Houston Community College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $24,639 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,254 ten years out. Set against $24,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Houston Community College report
Pickens Technical College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Aurora, CO, Pickens Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,140, while out-of-state students pay about $9,250. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,210. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Pickens Technical College
College Of The Mainland offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,310 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $5,711. College Of The Mainland alumni report median earnings of $39,639 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full College Of The Mainland report
Des Moines Area Community College placed #33 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,363 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,018. Set against $12,363 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Des Moines Area Community College report
Del Mar College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. 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. Graduates carry a median of $7,476 in student loans. Del Mar College alumni report median earnings of $38,656 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,476 median debt. Get the full Del Mar College report
Ogeechee Technical College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Set in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,388, while out-of-state students pay about $5,956. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $11,894. Median earnings reach $31,248 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ogeechee Technical College
Savannah Technical College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. 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. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $19,989. Median earnings reach $33,018 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Savannah Technical College profile
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #37 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Located in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,516, while out-of-state students pay about $6,084. Graduates carry a median of $17,619 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,104. That is a strong return on a $17,619 median debt. Get the full Southern Crescent Technical College report
Lone Star College System placed #38 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Lone Star College System is a public school based in The Woodlands, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $5,500. Lone Star College System alumni report median earnings of $42,466 a decade after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lone Star College System
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Students borrow a median of $14,234 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Fox Valley Technical College report
Jefferson State Community College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Located in Birmingham, AL, Jefferson State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,100, compared with $8,970 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,083 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Median earnings reach $40,719 ten years out. Set against $15,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Jefferson State Community College profile
Frank Phillips College placed #41 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in Borger, TX, Frank Phillips College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,712, compared with $4,882 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,179. Read the full report on Frank Phillips College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,404, compared with $5,954 for out-of-state students. Georgia Piedmont Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $15,716 in debt. Georgia Piedmont Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,619 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Augusta Technical College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,282, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. Graduates carry a median of $11,400 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,523 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Augusta Technical College
Cerritos College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Norwalk, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $11,306. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,156. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cerritos College profile
Schoolcraft College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Livonia, MI, Schoolcraft College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,799, compared with $6,501 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,750 in student loans. Schoolcraft College alumni report median earnings of $42,722 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,750 median debt. More on Schoolcraft College
Lanier Technical College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, GA, Lanier Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,980 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,190. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $12,278. Lanier Technical College alumni report median earnings of $37,623 a decade after entry. Set against $12,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lanier Technical College report
Grayson College placed #47 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Located in Denison, TX, Grayson College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,000, compared with $6,300 for out-of-state students. Grayson College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $11,627 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,873 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Grayson College
Meridian Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Meridian, MS, Meridian Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,078, compared with $6,478 for out-of-state students. Meridian Community College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $10,368 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,002 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,368 median debt. Read more about Meridian Community College
John A Gupton College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Nashville, TN, John A Gupton College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223. Students borrow a median of $17,257 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,902. Set against $17,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. More on John A Gupton College
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College placed #50 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,517, with out-of-state students paying around $10,044. Students borrow a median of $12,145 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,137. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cincinnati State Technical And Community College profile
Delgado Community College placed #52 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Based in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,279. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $23,563. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,305. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Delgado Community College
Kirkwood Community College placed #53 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,176, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Graduates carry a median of $15,375 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,016 ten years after entry. Set against $15,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Kirkwood Community College
Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 2008 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).
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