2026 Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Schools
Looking for the best-value Personal And Culinary Services programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 2008 colleges 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Clover Park Technical College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services programs schools in the United States. Based in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,634 in tuition and fees. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $11,000. Clover Park Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,787 a decade after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Clover Park Technical College
Johnson County Community College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Personal And Culinary Services ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Overland Park, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,424, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,424 in student loans. Johnson County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,387 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,424 median debt. More on Johnson County Community College
A rank of #3 makes Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,326 in tuition and fees. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $15,875. Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,399 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,875 median debt. More on Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College
El Centro College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Personal And Culinary Services ranking in the United States. Based in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $9,218. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. Set against $9,218 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full El Centro College profile
Out of the 2008 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Chippewa Valley Technical College landed the #5 spot. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,395 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $9,395 median debt. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Lee College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Baytown, TX, Lee College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,520, compared with $5,045 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $10,941. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,178. Set against $10,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lee College
Southeast Community College Area ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Based 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. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $19,146. 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. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
Waukesha County Technical College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Located 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 $9,750 in student loans. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Set against $9,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Waukesha County Technical College
Madison Area Technical College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Madison Area Technical College is a public school based in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,977 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Students borrow a median of $8,875 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,875 median debt. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
Athens Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,390 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,958. Students borrow a median of $8,000 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Athens Technical College
Mid State Technical College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Mid State Technical College is a public school based in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,002, compared with $7,171 for out-of-state students. Mid State Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $6,081 in debt. Mid State Technical College alumni report median earnings of $42,253 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Mid State Technical College
Ridgewater College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Willmar, MN, Ridgewater College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,121. Students borrow a median of $9,750 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ridgewater College
Gwinnett Technical College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,524, compared with $6,092 for out-of-state students. Gwinnett Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $16,349 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Gwinnett Technical College
South Plains College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Set in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,733, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,276 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full South Plains College profile
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public school based in Rice Lake, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,926, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College profile
Arkansas State University Newport offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Arkansas State University Newport is a public school based in Newport, AR. Students from in state pay about $3,312 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. Graduates carry a median of $7,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,524 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,250 median debt. More on Arkansas State University Newport
Georgia Northwestern Technical College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $5,868. Georgia Northwestern Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $8,492 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,759 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,480, compared with $6,048 for out-of-state students. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $10,864. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,864. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
West Georgia Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Set in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,978 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full West Georgia Technical College report
Kansas City Kansas Community College placed #21 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in Kansas City, KS, Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,996 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,482. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $8,235. Kansas City Kansas Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,795 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kansas City Kansas Community College
Howard College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Big Spring, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,766, compared with $6,716 for out-of-state students. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $14,242. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,382. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Howard College profile
Gateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Gateway Technical College is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $7,199. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $7,958. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,264. Set against $7,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Gateway Technical College
San Jacinto Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, 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. Read more about San Jacinto Community College
Piedmont Technical College placed #25 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Piedmont Technical College is a public school based in Greenwood, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,775, with out-of-state students paying around $6,923. Graduates carry a median of $17,652 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Piedmont Technical College report
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Warner Robins, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,448, compared with $6,016 for out-of-state students. Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $7,217 in debt. Median earnings reach $30,848 ten years out. Set against $7,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Personal And Culinary Services Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Oconee Fall Line Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Located in Sandersville, GA, Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,380, compared with $5,948 for out-of-state students. Oconee Fall Line Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $12,718 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,899 ten years after entry. Set against $12,718 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Oakland Community College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Based in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Oakland Community College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $15,865 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,395 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Oakland Community College
Houston Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Houston Community College is a public school based in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $24,639. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,254. That is a strong return on a $24,639 median debt. Read more about Houston Community College
Pickens Technical College placed #31 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Aurora, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,140, compared with $9,250 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $9,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,210. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. More on Pickens Technical College
College Of The Mainland landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,310 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,140 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,711 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Median earnings reach $39,639 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on College Of The Mainland
Des Moines Area Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Students borrow a median of $12,363 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Des Moines Area Community College
Del Mar College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $7,476. Median earnings reach $38,656 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Del Mar College
Ogeechee Technical College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Based in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,388, while out-of-state students pay about $5,956. Students borrow a median of $11,894 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,248. That is a strong return on a $11,894 median debt. Read more about Ogeechee Technical College
Savannah Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Students borrow a median of $19,989 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,018. Set against $19,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Savannah Technical College
Southern Crescent Technical College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,516, with out-of-state students paying around $6,084. Southern Crescent Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $17,619 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,104. That is a strong return on a $17,619 median debt. See the full Southern Crescent Technical College profile
Lone Star College System ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Lone Star College System Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Lone Star College System alumni report median earnings of $42,466 a decade after entry. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lone Star College System
Fox Valley Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $14,234. Median earnings reach $45,684 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,234 median debt. Get the full Fox Valley Technical College report
Jefferson State Community College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. This public school is set in Birmingham, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,100, while out-of-state students pay about $8,970. Graduates carry a median of $15,083 in student loans. Jefferson State Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,719 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,083 median debt. Read more about Jefferson State Community College
Frank Phillips College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Frank Phillips College is a public school based in Borger, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,712, compared with $4,882 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,179. More on Frank Phillips College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Located in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,404 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,954 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,716 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Median earnings reach $34,619 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,716 median debt. Get the full Georgia Piedmont Technical College report
Augusta Technical College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. This public school is set in Augusta, GA. Students from in state pay about $4,282 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,400 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,523. That is a strong return on a $11,400 median debt. See the full Augusta Technical College profile
Cerritos College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Norwalk, CA, Cerritos College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. Graduates carry a median of $11,306 in student loans. 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. More on Cerritos College
Schoolcraft College placed #45 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in Livonia, MI, Schoolcraft College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,501. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $15,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,722. Set against $15,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Schoolcraft College
Lanier Technical College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Gainesville, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,980 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,190 for out-of-state students. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $12,278. Lanier Technical College alumni report median earnings of $37,623 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,278 median debt. Get the full Lanier Technical College report
Grayson College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denison, TX, Grayson College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,000, while out-of-state students pay about $6,300. Students borrow a median of $11,627 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. 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. More on Grayson College
Meridian Community College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Located in Meridian, MS, Meridian Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,078, compared with $6,478 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $10,368. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,002. Set against $10,368 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Meridian Community College
John A Gupton College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Nashville, TN, John A Gupton College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223. John A Gupton College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $17,257 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,902. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. John A Gupton College has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read the full report on John A Gupton College
Cincinnati State Technical And Community College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,517, compared with $10,044 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $12,145. 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
Delgado Community College ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Set in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,279. Delgado Community College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $23,563 in debt. Median earnings reach $33,305 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,563 median debt. Read the full report on Delgado Community College
Kirkwood Community College ranked #53 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Kirkwood Community College is a public school based in Cedar Rapids, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $15,375. Kirkwood Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,016 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,375 median debt. See the full Kirkwood Community College profile
Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Personal And Culinary Services Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 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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