Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.0%
- Retention Rate
- 36.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $36,689
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,765
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $199/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $27,000 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $27,507 | $12,000 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $22,192 | $17,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Walnut Hill graduates enter the culinary industry with a median debt of $18,765 and median earnings of $36,689 after ten years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 is reasonable for culinary programs, though monthly loan payments of $199 consume about 6.5% of typical graduate income. The 96.4% employment rate reflects strong demand for trained chefs, bakers, and restaurant managers in Philadelphia's robust food scene. However, the 57% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle with payments in an industry known for modest starting wages. Entry-level positions in kitchens and hotels typically offer limited initial earning potential but provide essential experience for advancement to executive chef or management roles. This represents an average return on investment for culinary education.