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? This list ranks 2008 institutions 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor 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 tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services undergraduate certificate degree schools 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, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $9,395. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,395 median debt. Read more about Chippewa Valley Technical College
Out of the 2008 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #2 spot. 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 Personal And Culinary Services program 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. More 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. 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. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $9,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,894. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Waukesha County Technical College
Out of the 2008 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Johnson County Community College landed the #4 spot. Based in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $5,424. Johnson County Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,387 a decade after entry. Set against $5,424 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Johnson County Community College
Madison Area Technical College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Personal And Culinary Services ranking in the United States. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Madison Area Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $8,875 in debt. 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 ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Clover Park Technical College is a public school based in Lakewood, WA. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,787. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Read more about Clover Park Technical College
Wharton County Junior College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,192, compared with $5,904 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,960. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wharton County Junior College profile
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. El Centro College is a public school based 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 Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $9,218. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. Set against $9,218 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full El Centro College profile
Clarendon College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. This public school is set in Clarendon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,720, while out-of-state students pay about $5,400. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $11,518. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,696. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Clarendon College
Mid State Technical College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. This public school is set in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Students from in state pay about $5,002 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,171 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,081 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,253. That is a strong return on a $6,081 median debt. Read the full report on Mid State Technical College
South Plains College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. South Plains College is a public school based in Levelland, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. South Plains College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,276 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Get the full South Plains College report
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. Students from in state pay about $3,524 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,092. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $16,349. Gwinnett Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,025 a decade after entry. Set against $16,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Gwinnett Technical College report
Athens Technical College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, GA, Athens Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,390, while out-of-state students pay about $5,958. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $8,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,951. That is a strong return on a $8,000 median debt. More on Athens Technical College
Lake Area Technical Institute placed #14 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Watertown, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $6,718. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,473. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lake Area Technical Institute
Ridgewater College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Located 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Ridgewater College profile
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,406. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College profile
Arkansas State University Newport placed #18 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in Newport, AR, Arkansas State University Newport is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,312, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $7,250. Arkansas State University Newport alumni report median earnings of $41,524 a decade after entry. 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 landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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, compared with $6,482 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,235 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,795 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Kansas City Kansas Community College report
San Jacinto Community College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $8,791 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,062 ten years after entry. Set against $8,791 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full San Jacinto Community College report
Howard College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Howard College is a public school based in Big Spring, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,766, while out-of-state students pay about $6,716. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $14,242. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,382. That is a strong return on a $14,242 median debt. Read more about Howard College
Southeast Community College Area placed #21 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $19,146. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. That is a strong return on a $19,146 median debt. Read the full report on Southeast Community College Area
West Georgia Technical College placed #23 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Based in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,410, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. Students borrow a median of $8,500 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,479. Set against $8,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on West Georgia Technical College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,480 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,048 for out-of-state students. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $10,864. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,864 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,864 median debt. More on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. 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. More on Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Gateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $7,199. Students borrow a median of $7,958 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,264. That is a strong return on a $7,958 median debt. Read the full report on Gateway Technical College
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 placed #28 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Located in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $12,363. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,018 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,363 median debt. More on Des Moines Area Community College
Pickens Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Aurora, CO, Pickens Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,140, compared with $9,250 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Pickens Technical College alumni report median earnings of $39,210 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,500 median debt. Read more about Pickens Technical College
Houston Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,040, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. Students borrow a median of $24,639 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,254. That is a strong return on a $24,639 median debt. Get the full Houston Community College report
College Of The Mainland placed #31 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $5,711 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full College Of The Mainland profile
Oakland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,120, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,865 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,395 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,865 median debt. More on Oakland Community College
John A Gupton College landed the #33 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 average $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. Set against $17,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. John A Gupton College has an acceptance rate of 100%. See the full John A Gupton College profile
Lone Star College System landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,466. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. Get the full Lone Star College System report
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins placed #35 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Located in Warner Robins, GA, Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,448, with out-of-state students paying around $6,016. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $7,217. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,848 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,217 median debt. Read more about Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Oconee Fall Line Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Sandersville, GA. 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. That is a strong return on a $12,718 median debt. See the full Oconee Fall Line Technical College profile
Ogeechee Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Statesboro, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,388 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $11,894. 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. See the full Ogeechee Technical College profile
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. 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 Personal And Culinary Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,684 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Fox Valley Technical College profile
Jefferson State Community College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Birmingham, AL, Jefferson State Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,100 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,970. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $15,083. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,719. Set against $15,083 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Jefferson State Community College
Vernon College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Vernon College is a public school based in Vernon, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,720, while out-of-state students pay about $6,120. Students borrow a median of $12,513 to complete their Personal And Culinary Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,464 ten years after entry. Set against $12,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Vernon College
Louisiana Delta Community College placed #41 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Set in Monroe, LA, Louisiana Delta Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,159. Graduates carry a median of $14,024 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,438. That is a strong return on a $14,024 median debt. Read more about 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. Students from in state pay about $4,282 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $11,400. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,523. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Augusta Technical College profile
Meridian Community College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Set in Meridian, MS, Meridian Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,078 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,478. Typical Personal And Culinary Services student debt is $10,368. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,002 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,368 median debt. More on Meridian Community College
Grayson College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Denison, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,000, while out-of-state students pay about $6,300. Typical Personal And Culinary Services 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. Get the full Grayson College report
Kilgore College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kilgore, TX, Kilgore College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,160, compared with $5,256 for out-of-state students. Kilgore College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,975. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Kilgore College
Northwest Mississippi Community College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Northwest Mississippi Community College is a public school based in Senatobia, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,740. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $5,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,396 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northwest Mississippi Community College
North Shore Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. North Shore Community College is a public school based in Danvers, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,352, compared with $10,920 for out-of-state students. North Shore Community College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $14,145 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,391 ten years after entry. Set against $14,145 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full North Shore Community College report
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #48 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Griffin, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,516, with out-of-state students paying around $6,084. Graduates carry a median of $17,619 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,104 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southern Crescent Technical College
Savannah Technical College ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools. Located in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. The median Personal And Culinary Services program debt is $19,989. Savannah Technical College alumni report median earnings of $33,018 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,989 median debt. Get the full Savannah Technical College report
Lanier Technical College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Gainesville, GA, Lanier Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,980, with out-of-state students paying around $7,190. Graduates carry a median of $12,278 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,623. That is a strong return on a $12,278 median debt. See the full Lanier Technical College profile
Milwaukee Area Technical College placed #51 among the best-value Personal And Culinary Services schools in the United States. Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,184, with out-of-state students paying around $7,427. Milwaukee Area Technical College Personal And Culinary Services students take on a median of $14,943 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,113 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,943 median debt. Get the full Milwaukee Area Technical College report
Cerritos College came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Located in Norwalk, CA, Cerritos College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, while out-of-state students pay about $12,004. Graduates carry a median of $11,306 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,156. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about 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 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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