Culinary Arts at College of DuPage
with a mid-sized student body of 15,185 in Glen Ellyn, IL.
Program Analysis
College of DuPage's Culinary Arts graduates start at $26,952/yr — above the $23,994 national average, though not by a wide margin.
The 32.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
With only 20% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 0%. Career paths for Culinary Arts are among the more automation-resistant trades we analyze.
Ranked #47 out of 137 programs, College of DuPage's Culinary Arts offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
With 17 registered apprenticeships mapped to Culinary Arts, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Culinary Arts graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food scientists and technologists | $85,310 | +6.5% | 65% |
| Postsecondary teachers, all other | $78,490 | +1.8% | 100% |
| Food service managers | $65,310 | +6.4% | 58% |
Culinary Arts Career Guide
From day-one roles to senior positions, Culinary Arts careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering personal services.
Compare & Explore
Culinary Arts Overview
Culinary Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at College of DuPage
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.