Is Culinary Institute of America worth it?
Hyde Park, NY · private-nonprofit
Verdict
Typical students pay $36,113 a year after aid, graduate with $15,750 in federal debt, and earn $37,846 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $169, with a debt break-even of about 4.2 years.
Net price / year
$36,113
Admission rate
91%
Graduation rate
—
Median debt
$15,750
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,846
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,475
Est. monthly loan payment
$169
Loan-to-income ratio
42%
Debt break-even
4.2 years
How Culinary Institute of America compares
FAQ
How much does it cost to attend Culinary Institute of America?
The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $36,113 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.
How much debt do Culinary Institute of America graduates typically carry?
Students who complete a program at Culinary Institute of America leave with a median federal debt of $15,750, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
What do Culinary Institute of America graduates earn?
Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $37,846, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.
What is the graduation rate at Culinary Institute of America?
Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.
Is Culinary Institute of America worth the debt?
Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 4.2 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.