Culinary Arts at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Alfred, NY · Public · Associate Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services

With 82% of applicants admitted, SUNY College of Technology at Alfred prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 3,510 in Alfred, NY.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $26,598/yr, edging above the $23,994 national average for Culinary Arts — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

With a 15.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most careers in Culinary Arts involve physical, hands-on work that current AI cannot replicate.

At $12,000 in median debt against $26,598 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

A #87 ranking among 137 Culinary Arts programs places SUNY College of Technology at Alfred in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Culinary Arts reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

58 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
55
Low End
58
Score
58
High End
Earnings $26,598/yr (11% vs median)
AI-Proof AI-Proof (80% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$278K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
15.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
13 of 13
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$17,724
Out-of-state: $32,734
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$27,386
3% growth from Year 1

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%
Food scientists and technologists
$85,310
+6.5% growth 65% AI-proof
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490
+1.8% growth 100% AI-proof
Food service managers
$65,310
+6.4% growth 58% AI-proof

View all 13 career paths with full salary data →

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.

Read the full Culinary Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts Overview

Culinary Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Culinary Arts at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred?
At 58/100, the score looks reasonable — but Culinary Arts is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Will AI replace Culinary Arts jobs?
Culinary Arts rates as "AI-Proof" for AI resilience. With only 20% of tasks exposed to automation, the trade's physical demands provide a natural shield against AI displacement.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Culinary Arts program at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred?
The DOL recognizes 17 apprenticeship pathways related to Culinary Arts. For students weighing SUNY College of Technology at Alfred's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Culinary Arts graduates?
With approximately 789,200 annual openings across mapped careers, Culinary Arts offers a very large employment pool. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →