2026 Best Value Culinary Arts Schools
Looking for the best-value Culinary Arts programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 550 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor 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 Culinary Arts Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Johnson County Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Culinary Arts programs schools in the United States. Based in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Students borrow a median of $13,532 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,387. Set against $13,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Johnson County Community College
A rank of #2 makes Lee College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Baytown, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,520 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,045. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $10,941. Lee College alumni report median earnings of $42,178 a decade after entry. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lee College profile
El Centro College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Culinary Arts ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $9,218. Median earnings reach $41,714 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,218 median debt. More on El Centro College
Out of the 550 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the #4 spot. Set in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. 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 $14,234 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,297. Set against $14,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Chippewa Valley Technical College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,326. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $17,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. See the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College profile
Southeast Community College Area ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $3,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Students borrow a median of $19,146 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. Set against $19,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
Clover Park Technical College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Located in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,634. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $15,154. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,787 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Clover Park Technical College
Madison Area Technical College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Based in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $16,812. Median earnings reach $45,413 ten years out. Set against $16,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Madison Area Technical College
Athens Technical College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Athens Technical College is a public school based in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $5,958. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $9,500. Athens Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,951 a decade after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Athens Technical College report
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Graduates carry a median of $16,595 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,894. That is a strong return on a $16,595 median debt. Read more about Waukesha County Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, compared with $6,092 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $18,048. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,025 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Gwinnett Technical College profile
Gateway Technical College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Set in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $7,199. Graduates carry a median of $14,829 in student loans. Gateway Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,264 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Gateway Technical College profile
South Plains College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. This public school is set in Levelland, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,788 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Median earnings reach $41,276 ten years out. Set against $13,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full South Plains College profile
West Georgia Technical College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,410, while out-of-state students pay about $5,978. Graduates carry a median of $12,651 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about West Georgia Technical College
Kansas City Kansas Community College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public school based in Kansas City, KS. Students from in state pay about $2,996 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,482. Students borrow a median of $13,129 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,795 ten years after entry. Set against $13,129 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Kansas City Kansas Community College profile
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Warner Robins, GA, Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,448, while out-of-state students pay about $6,016. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $11,693. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,848. Set against $11,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Arkansas State University Newport came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,312, compared with $4,752 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $10,925 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,524. That is a strong return on a $10,925 median debt. Get the full Arkansas State University Newport report
Georgia Northwestern Technical College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located 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. Georgia Northwestern Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,759 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Oakland Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. This public school is set in Auburn Hills, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $15,865. Oakland Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,395 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,865 median debt. Read more about Oakland Community College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College placed #21 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Located in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,480, with out-of-state students paying around $6,048. Graduates carry a median of $10,864 in student loans. 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 the full report on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Southern Crescent Technical College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,516, with out-of-state students paying around $6,084. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $17,619. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,104. Set against $17,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southern Crescent Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,234 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,684. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Fox Valley Technical College
Delgado Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,279. Students borrow a median of $32,125 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Delgado Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,305 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Delgado Community College
Cerritos College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Cerritos College is a public school based in Norwalk, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. Cerritos College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $11,306 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,156 ten years after entry. Set against $11,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cerritos College profile
Schoolcraft College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Located in Livonia, MI, Schoolcraft College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,799, while out-of-state students pay about $6,501. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $15,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,722. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Schoolcraft College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Culinary Arts Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Southern Maine Community College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in South Portland, ME. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,156, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $13,869. Median earnings reach $41,661 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,869 median debt. Read more about Southern Maine Community College
Wake Technical Community College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Wake Technical Community College is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,254, compared with $6,862 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,226 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,769. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wake Technical Community College
San Jacinto Community College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $11,376. Median earnings reach $43,062 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,376 median debt. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College
Ogeechee Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,388 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,956. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $11,894. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,248. That is a strong return on a $11,894 median debt. More on Ogeechee Technical College
Augusta Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,282, while out-of-state students pay about $7,492. Graduates carry a median of $11,400 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,523. Set against $11,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Augusta Technical College profile
Lanier Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $12,278 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,623. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lanier Technical College
Grayson College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Denison, TX, Grayson College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,000, with out-of-state students paying around $6,300. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $11,627. Median earnings reach $40,873 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Grayson College profile
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Cincinnati State Technical And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,517, while out-of-state students pay about $10,044. Students borrow a median of $12,145 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,137. Set against $12,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cincinnati State Technical And Community College report
Des Moines Area Community College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,790 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $11,167. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,018. That is a strong return on a $11,167 median debt. See the full Des Moines Area Community College profile
Del Mar College placed #38 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Del Mar College is a public school based in Corpus Christi, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,500, while out-of-state students pay about $6,050. Del Mar College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $7,476 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,656. Set against $7,476 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Del Mar College
Kirkwood Community College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,176, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Kirkwood Community College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $15,375 in debt. 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
Milwaukee Area Technical College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $5,184, with out-of-state students paying around $7,427. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $19,386. Median earnings reach $41,113 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Milwaukee Area Technical College
Savannah Technical College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Savannah, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. Graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,018. That is a strong return on a $12,843 median debt. Read more about Savannah Technical College
North Shore Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Danvers, MA, North Shore Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,352, while out-of-state students pay about $10,920. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $14,145. A decade after starting, 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
Atlanta Technical College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Located in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,382 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,950 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $17,655. Atlanta Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,350 a decade after entry. Set against $17,655 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Atlanta Technical College
Columbus Technical College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Columbus Technical College is a public school based in Columbus, GA. Students from in state pay about $4,052 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,262 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,845 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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 #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Miami, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,838, compared with $9,661 for out-of-state students. Miami Dade College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $10,882 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,654 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Miami Dade College report
Western Iowa Tech Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,186, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Students borrow a median of $12,530 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,473 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Brookdale Community College placed #48 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lincroft, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $6,270, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. Brookdale Community College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $12,651 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,379. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Brookdale Community College profile
Grand Rapids Community College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. This public school is set in Grand Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,179, while out-of-state students pay about $12,219. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $13,625. Grand Rapids Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,377 a decade after entry. Set against $13,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Grand Rapids Community College
Southwestern Oregon Community College placed #50 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Southwestern Oregon Community College is a public school based in Coos Bay, OR. In-state tuition and fees average $7,192. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,349. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. More on Southwestern Oregon Community College
North Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Located in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $12,279. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,932 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,279 median debt. Read more about North Georgia Technical College
Central Piedmont Community College came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Central Piedmont Community College is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,792, while out-of-state students pay about $8,936. Students borrow a median of $11,861 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Median earnings reach $37,865 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Piedmont Community College
Ozarks Technical Community College landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $4,256, compared with $7,040 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $10,501. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,455. That is a strong return on a $10,501 median debt. Get the full Ozarks Technical Community College report
Ivy Tech Community College placed #54 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $11,889. Ivy Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,186 a decade after entry. Set against $11,889 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Best Value Culinary Arts Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Culinary Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Culinary Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Culinary Arts Associate’s 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
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (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).
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