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2026 Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Personal And Culinary Services undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2008 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Chippewa Valley Technical College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $9,395. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. Set against $9,395 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Chippewa Valley Technical College report
You'll get strong value at Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. Based 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. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $15,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,399 ten years after entry. Set against $15,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
Out of the 2008 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Waukesha County Technical College landed the #3 spot. Waukesha County Technical College is a public school based in Pewaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Get the full Waukesha County Technical College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Johnson County Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Graduates carry a median of $5,424 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,387. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Johnson County Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Madison Area Technical College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student 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. More on Madison Area Technical College
Clover Park Technical College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,634. Clover Park Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Clover Park Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,787 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. More on Clover Park Technical College
Wharton County Junior College placed #7 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Based in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,192 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,904. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $5,500. Median earnings reach $44,960 ten years out. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wharton County Junior College
El Centro College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $9,218. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full El Centro College report
Clarendon College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Located in Clarendon, TX, Clarendon College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,720, with out-of-state students paying around $5,400. Graduates carry a median of $11,518 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,696. Set against $11,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Clarendon College profile
Mid State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Mid State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,002, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Mid State Technical College profile
South Plains College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Levelland, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,733, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,276. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Read more about South Plains College
Gwinnett Technical College placed #13 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set 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. Gwinnett Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $16,349 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,025 ten years after entry. Set against $16,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Gwinnett Technical College profile
Lake Area Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,718. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Lake Area Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $45,473 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. See the full Lake Area Technical Institute profile
Athens Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. 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. Median earnings reach $35,951 ten years out. Set against $8,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Athens Technical College
Ridgewater College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,121 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $9,750 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,827 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,750 median debt. Read more about Ridgewater College
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,926, with out-of-state students paying around $7,169. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $5,500. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,406 a decade after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Arkansas State University Newport came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,312 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,752. Graduates carry a median of $7,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,524. Set against $7,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Arkansas State University Newport profile
Kansas City Kansas Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Kansas City, KS, Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,996, compared with $6,482 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $8,235. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,795. Set against $8,235 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Kansas City Kansas Community College
San Jacinto Community College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Students borrow a median of $8,791 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Median earnings reach $43,062 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,791 median debt. More on San Jacinto Community College
Howard College placed #21 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in Big Spring, TX, Howard College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,766, compared with $6,716 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,242 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,382 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,242 median debt. More on Howard College
Southeast Community College Area came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Graduates carry a median of $19,146 in student loans. 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 more about Southeast Community College Area
West Georgia Technical College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. West Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Waco, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,410, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $8,500. West Georgia Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,479 a decade after entry. Set against $8,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full West Georgia Technical College report
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Valdosta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,480, with out-of-state students paying around $6,048. Students borrow a median of $10,864 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,864. That is a strong return on a $10,864 median debt. More on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Rome, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Read the full report on Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Gateway Technical College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,956 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $7,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,264. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Gateway Technical College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Personal And Culinary Services Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Des Moines Area Community College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,363 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Des Moines Area Community College
Houston Community College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,040, compared with $5,460 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $24,639. Median earnings reach $39,254 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Houston Community College
Pickens Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Aurora, CO, Pickens Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,140, while out-of-state students pay about $9,250. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,210 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Pickens Technical College report
College Of The Mainland came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. College Of The Mainland is a public school based in Texas City, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. Graduates carry a median of $5,711 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,639. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full College Of The Mainland report
Oakland Community College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,120, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,865 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,395. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Oakland Community College
John A Gupton College placed #33 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Based in Nashville, TN, John A Gupton College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223. Graduates carry a median of $17,257 in student loans. John A Gupton College alumni report median earnings of $46,902 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,257 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. More on John A Gupton College
Lone Star College System landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in The Woodlands, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $7,512. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $5,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lone Star College System
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public school based in Warner Robins, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,448, compared with $6,016 for out-of-state students. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $7,217. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,848. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Oconee Fall Line Technical College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Sandersville, GA, Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,380, while out-of-state students pay about $5,948. Oconee Fall Line Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $12,718 in debt. Oconee Fall Line Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,899 a decade after entry. Set against $12,718 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Oconee Fall Line Technical College report
Ogeechee Technical College placed #37 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,388, while out-of-state students pay about $5,956. Graduates carry a median of $11,894 in student loans. Ogeechee Technical College alumni report median earnings of $31,248 a decade 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 #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, 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. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
Jefferson State Community College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Birmingham, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,100, compared with $8,970 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $15,083. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,719. That is a strong return on a $15,083 median debt. Get the full Jefferson State Community College report
Vernon College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Vernon College is a public school based in Vernon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,720, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Vernon College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $12,513 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,464. That is a strong return on a $12,513 median debt. Get the full Vernon College report
Louisiana Delta Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,159. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $14,024. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,438. That is a strong return on a $14,024 median debt. More on Louisiana Delta Community College
Augusta Technical College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Augusta Technical College is a public school based in Augusta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,282, while out-of-state students pay about $7,492. Augusta Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $11,400 in debt. Median earnings reach $33,523 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Augusta Technical College
Meridian Community College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Meridian, MS, Meridian Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,078, with out-of-state students paying around $6,478. Graduates carry a median of $10,368 in student loans. Median earnings reach $31,002 ten years out. Set against $10,368 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Meridian Community College
Grayson College placed #43 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Denison, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,000, with out-of-state students paying around $6,300. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $11,627. 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 more about Grayson College
Kilgore College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Kilgore College is a public school based in Kilgore, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,160, while out-of-state students pay about $5,256. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Kilgore College alumni report median earnings of $37,975 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kilgore College
Northwest Mississippi Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Senatobia, MS, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,740. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,396. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. More on Northwest Mississippi Community College
North Shore Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Danvers, MA, North Shore Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,352, with out-of-state students paying around $10,920. North Shore Community College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $14,145 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,391. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full North Shore Community College profile
Southern Crescent Technical College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Located in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,516, compared with $6,084 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,619 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,104. That is a strong return on a $17,619 median debt. Read more about Southern Crescent Technical College
Savannah Technical College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Savannah, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $19,989. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,018. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Savannah Technical College
Lanier Technical College placed #50 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in Gainesville, GA, Lanier Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,980, compared with $7,190 for out-of-state students. Lanier Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $12,278 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,623 ten years out. Set against $12,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lanier Technical College
Milwaukee Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,184, while out-of-state students pay about $7,427. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $14,943. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,113. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Milwaukee Area Technical College profile
Cerritos College offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. This public school is set in Norwalk, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $11,306. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,156. That is a strong return on a $11,306 median debt. Read the full report on Cerritos College
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 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
The ranking above is published 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 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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