At $12,193/yr net price, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Boulder graduates earn $32,001/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,193 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,772 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,001/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,999/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,653 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,578/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,203/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,930/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,311/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,195/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Certificate | $25,967 | $9,150 |
The Risk Factor
45.9% of students at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Boulder 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-Boulder delivers weak financial returns that put your career prospects at risk. With median earnings of just $32,001 ten years after graduation, you'll earn less than many positions requiring only a high school diploma.
The culinary arts program, which represents the school's primary offering, produces graduates earning $25,967 annually. This falls well below living wages in Boulder's expensive market, where median rent alone consumes most of this income. Your debt load of $9,150 may seem manageable, but it becomes problematic when paired with such low earning potential.
The 46% graduation rate signals serious completion risks. More than half of students never finish their programs, leaving them with debt but no credential. This pattern suggests either inadequate student support or unrealistic expectations about program difficulty.
You should consider this school only if you have family connections in Boulder's restaurant industry or plan to relocate to lower-cost markets after graduation. The program might work for career changers who already have financial stability and view culinary training as skill development rather than income generation.
Less than half of students receive financial aid, indicating limited scholarship opportunities. The relatively low debt levels suggest either affordable tuition or students dropping out before accumulating significant loans.
Skip this school if you need your education to provide reliable income growth. The combination of low completion rates, modest earnings, and Boulder's high cost of living creates a challenging financial equation. Consider community college culinary programs or apprenticeships that offer similar training at lower cost with better job placement rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Boulder worth the debt?
With graduates earning $32,001 ten years after enrollment and median debt of $9,653, the debt load is relatively manageable compared to most culinary schools. However, the low graduation rate of 46% means many students don't finish the program.
What is the return on investment for Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Boulder?
The ROI is poor, with graduates earning just $32,001 annually ten years later. This is below the national average and makes it difficult to justify the cost, even with the lower debt burden.
Do Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Boulder graduates get good-paying jobs?
No, graduates typically earn around $32,000 ten years after enrollment. Culinary Arts graduates specifically earn about $26,000, which is low for any college degree and reflects the challenging economics of the food service industry.
What are the graduation rates at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Boulder?
Only 46% of students graduate, meaning more than half don't complete their programs. This high dropout rate is a major red flag when considering the school's value.