2026 Best Value Culinary Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Culinary Arts undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 550 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Culinary Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Johnson County Community College, our #1 best-value Culinary Arts school 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, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Johnson County Community College report
Out of the 550 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #2 spot. Based 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. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,399 a decade after entry. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Clover Park Technical College earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Lakewood, WA. Students from in state pay about $6,634 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,154 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Median earnings reach $41,787 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Clover Park Technical College
Out of the 550 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, El Centro College landed the #4 spot. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $9,218. Median earnings reach $41,714 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,218 median debt. See the full El Centro College profile
You'll get strong value at Madison Area Technical College, which ranked #5 this year. 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. Graduates carry a median of $16,812 in student loans. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. Set against $16,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
Waukesha County Technical College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $16,595 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. A decade after starting, 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
Southeast Community College Area landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $19,146. Median earnings reach $43,405 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,146 median debt. More on Southeast Community College Area
Gwinnett Technical College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $18,048. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Kansas City Kansas Community College placed #9 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Based in Kansas City, KS, Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,996, with out-of-state students paying around $6,482. Graduates carry a median of $13,129 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,795. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Kansas City Kansas Community College report
Arkansas State University Newport placed #11 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Located in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,312, with out-of-state students paying around $4,752. Graduates carry a median of $10,925 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,524 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,925 median debt. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Newport
Oakland Community College placed #12 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Located in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Students borrow a median of $15,865 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. 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. See the full Oakland Community College profile
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,492 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. A decade after starting, 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
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $14,234. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,480 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. Graduates carry a median of $10,864 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,864. That is a strong return on a $10,864 median debt. More on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
San Jacinto Community College placed #16 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Based 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. Set against $11,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
Des Moines Area Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ankeny, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,167 in student loans. Des Moines Area Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,018 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,167 median debt. More on Des Moines Area Community College
Grayson College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denison, TX, Grayson College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,000, while out-of-state students pay about $6,300. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $11,627. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,873 ten years after entry. Set against $11,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Grayson College
West Georgia Technical College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. 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. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $12,651. Median earnings reach $35,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full West Georgia Technical College profile
Schoolcraft College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Based in Livonia, MI, Schoolcraft College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,799, while out-of-state students pay about $6,501. Students borrow a median of $15,750 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,722 ten years after entry. Set against $15,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Schoolcraft College
Augusta Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Augusta, GA, Augusta Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,282, with out-of-state students paying around $7,492. Graduates carry a median of $11,400 in student loans. Median earnings reach $33,523 ten years out. Set against $11,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Augusta Technical College
Kirkwood Community College placed #22 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. 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
Cerritos College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Located in Norwalk, CA, Cerritos College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,364, compared with $12,004 for out-of-state students. Cerritos College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $11,306 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,156. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cerritos College
Grand Rapids Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, Grand Rapids Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,179, compared with $12,219 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $13,625. Median earnings reach $38,377 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Grand Rapids Community College
Ogeechee Technical College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Statesboro, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,388, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $11,894. Ogeechee Technical College alumni report median earnings of $31,248 a decade after entry. Set against $11,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ogeechee Technical College
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #26 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Based in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,516, compared with $6,084 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,619 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Southern Crescent Technical College alumni report median earnings of $36,104 a decade after entry. Set against $17,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southern Crescent Technical College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Culinary Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Savannah Technical College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Located in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,330, compared with $5,898 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. Median earnings reach $33,018 ten years out. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Savannah Technical College report
Columbus Technical College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,052, while out-of-state students pay about $7,262. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $15,845. Median earnings reach $34,238 ten years out. Set against $15,845 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Columbus Technical College report
Atlanta Technical College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Atlanta Technical College is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,382, compared with $5,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,655 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Atlanta Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,350 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Atlanta Technical College
Milwaukee Area Technical College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,184 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,427 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,386 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,113. Set against $19,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Milwaukee Area Technical College report
Southwestern Oregon Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Coos Bay, OR, Southwestern Oregon Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,192. Southwestern Oregon Community College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. Southwestern Oregon Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,349 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southwestern Oregon Community College
Brookdale Community College placed #34 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Set in Lincroft, NJ, Brookdale Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,270, while out-of-state students pay about $10,140. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $12,651. Median earnings reach $44,379 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Brookdale Community College
Houston Community College placed #35 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,040 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,460 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $26,217. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,254. That is a strong return on a $26,217 median debt. Get the full Houston Community College report
Wake Technical Community College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,254, while out-of-state students pay about $6,862. Students borrow a median of $13,226 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Wake Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,769 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,226 median debt. Read the full report on Wake Technical Community College
Lanier Technical College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Gainesville, GA, Lanier Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,980, while out-of-state students pay about $7,190. Lanier Technical College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $12,278 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,623. Set against $12,278 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lanier Technical College
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public school based in Indiana, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $12,000. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $51,019 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Icpr Junior College General Institutional came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hato Rey, PR, Icpr Junior College General Institutional is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $18,694. Read more about Icpr Junior College General Institutional
Western Iowa Tech Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Sioux City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. 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. More on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Ozarks Technical Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Springfield, MO, Ozarks Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,256, compared with $7,040 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $10,501. Ozarks Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,455 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,501 median debt. Get the full Ozarks Technical Community College report
Icpr Junior College Mayaguez offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Mayaguez, PR, Icpr Junior College Mayaguez is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,664. Icpr Junior College Mayaguez alumni report median earnings of $18,694 a decade after entry. Read the full report on Icpr Junior College Mayaguez
North Georgia Technical College placed #45 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Located in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,330 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. North Georgia Technical College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $12,279 in debt. Median earnings reach $32,932 ten years out. Set against $12,279 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about North Georgia Technical College
Icpr Junior College Manati placed #46 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Icpr Junior College Manati is a private for-profit school based in Manati, PR. Students from in state pay about $8,664 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $18,694 ten years after entry. See the full Icpr Junior College Manati profile
Kalamazoo Valley Community College placed #47 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,144, with out-of-state students paying around $9,094. Students borrow a median of $14,382 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Median earnings reach $38,618 ten years out. Set against $14,382 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Kalamazoo Valley Community College
El Paso Community College placed #48 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Based in El Paso, TX, El Paso Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,274, with out-of-state students paying around $5,314. Graduates carry a median of $8,542 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,212 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,542 median debt. See the full El Paso Community College profile
Icpr Junior College Arecibo came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Arecibo, PR, Icpr Junior College Arecibo is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664. Median earnings reach $18,694 ten years out. Get the full Icpr Junior College Arecibo report
Culinary Institute Inc came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $18,803 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $20,144 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,195 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Culinary Institute Inc
Baker College Of Flint ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Based in Owosso, MI, Baker College Of Flint is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,000. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $12,000. Baker College Of Flint alumni report median earnings of $35,833 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Baker College Of Flint
Austin Community College District came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Set in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,550, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Austin Community College District Culinary Arts students take on a median of $14,519 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,177. That is a strong return on a $14,519 median debt. See the full Austin Community College District profile
Escuela Hotelera De San Juan came in at #55 in this year's value ranking. Escuela Hotelera De San Juan is a private for-profit school based in Hato Rey, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,462. Students borrow a median of $3,500 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Escuela Hotelera De San Juan alumni report median earnings of $20,854 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Escuela Hotelera De San Juan profile
Atlantic Cape Community College came in at #56 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mays Landing, NJ. Students from in state pay about $5,594 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,350 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $11,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $34,241. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Read the full report on Atlantic Cape Community College
Suffolk County Community College ranked #57 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Suffolk County Community College is a public school based in Selden, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,630, compared with $12,460 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,246 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,907 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,246 median debt. Get the full Suffolk County Community College report
Related Culinary Arts Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Culinary Arts Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Culinary Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Culinary Arts 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. 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 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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