At $20,738/yr net price, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Austin graduates earn $36,330/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,330/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,738 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $82,952 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,330/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,330/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 35.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,540/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,698/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,497/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,674/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,133/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
57.4% of students at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Austin graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Austin delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost. With median earnings of just $36,330 ten years after graduation and annual costs over $20,000, your payback timeline stretches uncomfortably long.
The culinary arts program, which represents the school's primary offering, produces graduates earning only $23,893 annually while carrying $9,500 in debt. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that limits your financial flexibility early in your career. Austin's competitive restaurant scene means entry-level positions often start below these median figures.
The 57% graduation rate signals retention problems that increase your risk of leaving with debt but no credential. Nearly half of students don't complete their programs, suggesting either academic challenges or students realizing the economics don't work.
This school makes financial sense only if you have substantial family support or savings to minimize borrowing. The relatively low median debt of $16,000 suggests some students pay cash or receive significant aid, but with 56% receiving financial aid, most students face the full cost burden.
You should look elsewhere if you need student loans to attend or expect your culinary education to generate strong financial returns quickly. Community college culinary programs or apprenticeships through established restaurants offer better cost-benefit ratios. Consider Auguste Escoffier only if you view the credential as supplementary training rather than your primary path to financial stability, or if you have guaranteed job placement at higher wages than the typical graduate achieves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Austin worth the cost?
With graduates earning $36,330 annually after 10 years and a net price of $20,738 per year, the financial return is weak. The median debt of $16,000 is manageable, but the low graduation rate of 57% means many students don't finish.
What is the ROI for Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Austin graduates?
Graduates earn about $36,330 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. Given the annual cost of nearly $21,000, it takes several years just to break even on the investment.
Do Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Austin culinary programs pay off financially?
The culinary arts program has a typical cost of $23,893, but graduates in this field generally earn modest wages. Restaurant and food service work often starts at lower salaries with gradual increases over time.
What are the debt risks at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Austin?
The median debt of $16,000 is relatively low compared to other culinary schools. However, with starting salaries in food service being modest, even this amount can be challenging to repay quickly.