Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $36,330
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 25:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 41.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $170/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Certificate | $23,893 | $9,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Graduates earn a median of $36,330 ten years after completing their program. The typical monthly loan payment of $170 consumes about 5.6% of graduates' income, which is manageable for most budgets. With median debt of $16,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.44, meaning graduates owe less than half their annual salary. The 91.9% employment rate reflects strong demand in Austin's booming restaurant scene. Most graduates enter entry-level kitchen positions, catering companies, or hotel food service roles. The relatively low debt burden compared to four-year programs helps offset the modest starting salaries typical in culinary careers. This represents an average return on investment for culinary education.