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2026 Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Personal And Culinary Services associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 2008 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 reviewed schools to produce 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Clover Park Technical College to be the best-value Personal And Culinary Services school in the United States. This public school is set in Lakewood, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,634. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $11,000. Median earnings reach $41,787 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Read the full report on Clover Park Technical College
A rank of #2 makes Johnson County Community College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,424 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Johnson County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,387 a decade after entry. Set against $5,424 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Johnson County Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Chippewa Valley Technical College earned it the #3 place in the United States. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Graduates carry a median of $9,395 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,395 median debt. Get the full Chippewa Valley Technical College report
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 #4 spot. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,326. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $15,875 in debt. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,399 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College profile
Out of the 2008 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southeast Community College Area landed the #5 spot. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,444 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Southeast Community College Area Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $19,146 in debt. Southeast Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $43,405 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,146 median debt. Get the full Southeast Community College Area report
Ridgewater College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Ridgewater College is a public school based in Willmar, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,121. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $9,750. Ridgewater College alumni report median earnings of $43,827 a decade after entry. Set against $9,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ridgewater College profile
Lee College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,520, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Graduates carry a median of $10,941 in student loans. Lee College alumni report median earnings of $42,178 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Lee College report
El Centro College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Students borrow a median of $9,218 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,714 ten years after entry. Set against $9,218 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full El Centro College profile
Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Madison Area Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $8,875 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,413 ten years out. Set against $8,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Waukesha County Technical College placed #10 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Based in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Waukesha County Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $9,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Waukesha County Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,524, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $16,349. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Gwinnett Technical College report
Athens Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,390 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,958 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,000 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,951. Set against $8,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Athens Technical College profile
Oakland Community College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Oakland Community College is a public school based in Auburn Hills, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, while out-of-state students pay about $5,560. Graduates carry a median of $15,865 in student loans. 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 offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Houston Community College is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,040, with out-of-state students paying around $5,460. 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
Gateway Technical College placed #17 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Gateway Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $7,958 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. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
Lone Star College System landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,466 ten years out. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lone Star College System
Kansas City Kansas Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public school based in Kansas City, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,996, while out-of-state students pay about $6,482. Graduates carry a median of $8,235 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,795 ten years after entry. Set against $8,235 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Kansas City Kansas Community College report
Ogeechee Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,388, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $11,894. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,248 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Ogeechee Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Fox Valley Technical College Personal And Culinary Services 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. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
Cerritos College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Norwalk, CA, Cerritos College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. Cerritos College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $11,306 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,156 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,306 median debt. See the full Cerritos College profile
Schoolcraft College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Schoolcraft College is a public school based in Livonia, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $3,799, compared with $6,501 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,750 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Median earnings reach $42,722 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Schoolcraft College
South Plains College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Levelland, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,733 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,157. South Plains College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,276. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on South Plains College
San Jacinto Community College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,490 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $8,791. San Jacinto Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,062 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on San Jacinto Community College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Graduates carry a median of $8,492 in student loans. 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 ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,480 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,048. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $10,864. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,864 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,864 median debt. Read more about Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Personal And Culinary Services Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Fine Mortuary College Llc came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Norwood, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $19,600. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $34,677. Read the full report on Fine Mortuary College Llc
Southern Maine Community College placed #30 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Based in South Portland, ME, Southern Maine Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,156, compared with $7,036 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $13,869. Southern Maine Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,661 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southern Maine Community College
Kirkwood Community College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. This public school is set in Cedar Rapids, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,176, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Students borrow a median of $15,375 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,016. That is a strong return on a $15,375 median debt. Read more about Kirkwood Community College
Des Moines Area Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $12,363 in student loans. Des Moines Area Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,018 a decade after entry. Set against $12,363 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Des Moines Area Community College
Delgado Community College placed #33 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,279. Students borrow a median of $23,563 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Median earnings reach $33,305 ten years out. Set against $23,563 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Delgado Community College report
Grayson College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Denison, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,000, compared with $6,300 for out-of-state students. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $11,627. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Grayson College report
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. Students from in state pay about $5,517 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,044 for out-of-state students. Cincinnati State Technical And Community College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $12,145 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,137. That is a strong return on a $12,145 median debt. Get the full Cincinnati State Technical And Community College report
Del Mar College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Set in Corpus Christi, TX, Del Mar College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,500, with out-of-state students paying around $6,050. Graduates carry a median of $7,476 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,656 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Del Mar College
Central New Mexico Community College placed #37 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Central New Mexico Community College is a public school based in Albuquerque, NM. Students from in state pay about $2,060 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Students borrow a median of $10,112 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Central New Mexico Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,869 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
Jefferson State Community College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Birmingham, AL, Jefferson State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,100, with out-of-state students paying around $8,970. Graduates carry a median of $15,083 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,719 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Jefferson State Community College
West Georgia Technical College placed #39 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Waco, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,410, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on West Georgia Technical College
Milwaukee Area Technical College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,184, while out-of-state students pay about $7,427. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $14,943. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,113 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,943 median debt. Read more about Milwaukee Area Technical College
North Shore Community College placed #41 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Based in Danvers, MA, North Shore Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,352, while out-of-state students pay about $10,920. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $14,145. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,391. Set against $14,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about North Shore Community College
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #42 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. 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. Southern Crescent Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $17,619 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,104 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southern Crescent Technical College report
Savannah Technical College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Savannah, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $19,989. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,018 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Savannah Technical College
Central Carolina Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Sanford, NC, Central Carolina Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,711, with out-of-state students paying around $8,855. Students borrow a median of $12,167 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Median earnings reach $33,525 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Central Carolina Community College
Wake Technical Community College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Located in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,254, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. Graduates carry a median of $10,460 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,769. Set against $10,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wake Technical Community College
John A Gupton College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Nashville, TN, John A Gupton College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $17,257. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,902. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read the full report on John A Gupton College
Piedmont Technical College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Greenwood, SC, Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,775, with out-of-state students paying around $6,923. Piedmont Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $17,652 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,768. Set against $17,652 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Piedmont Technical College profile
Central Piedmont Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,792, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,861 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Central Piedmont Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,865 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,861 median debt. Read more about Central Piedmont Community College
Brookdale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set 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 Personal And Culinary Services 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. Get the full Brookdale Community College report
Ozarks Technical Community College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Springfield, MO, Ozarks Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,256, compared with $7,040 for out-of-state students. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $10,501. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,455. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ozarks Technical Community College
Weatherford College placed #51 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in Weatherford, TX, Weatherford College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,250 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,860 for out-of-state students. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $14,099. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,397. That is a strong return on a $14,099 median debt. Read more about Weatherford College
Atlanta Technical College ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Located in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,382, while out-of-state students pay about $5,950. Atlanta Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $16,324 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,350. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Atlanta Technical College profile
Southwestern Oregon Community College placed #53 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Located in Coos Bay, OR, Southwestern Oregon Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,192. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $12,000. Southwestern Oregon Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,349 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. See the full Southwestern Oregon Community College profile
Related Personal And Culinary Services Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. The methodology weighs 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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