At the Institute of Culinary Education in Pasadena, CA, students dive into the rich world of culinary arts and personal services. With an enrollment of 553, this school is ideal for those who are passionate about cooking and food service. Here, students study everything from culinary techniques to management skills, preparing them for a variety of roles in the culinary industry.

Earnings after graduation average around $47,865 within ten years, which can provide a comfortable living for many. This financial outcome reflects a solid return on investment for those committed to this field. Additionally, with 29% of students receiving Pell Grants, there’s an opportunity for financial assistance that can ease the burden of educational costs.

When it comes to the financial bottom line, students face a median debt of $6,439, which is manageable compared to the earnings potential. This makes it a viable option for those looking to enter the culinary world without accruing overwhelming debt. Those who thrive here are typically hands-on learners who are eager to immerse themselves in the culinary experience and are ready to embrace the fast-paced environments of kitchens and service settings.

Can I Get In?

How selective Institute of Culinary Education is — and how your numbers stack up.

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Will I Be Accepted?

Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.

GPA

3.0

Test Score

SAT

1050

ACT

Intended Major

Academics & Admissions

Based in Pasadena, California, Institute of Culinary Education enrolls students across a range of programs.

Retention Rate: 82%
Full-Time Faculty: 27%
Faculty Salary (mo): $5,353
Diversity Index: 0.82
First-Gen Students: 44%

Can I Afford It?

What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.

Cost & Financial Aid

The median graduate leaves with about $6,439 in federal student loans.

Median Debt: $6,439
Pell Grant Rate: 29%
Federal Loan Rate: 45%

What Happens After?

Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.

Graduate Outcomes

Ten years out, alumni of Institute of Culinary Education earn a median of $47,865, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.

6 Years After Entry: $36,663
8 Years: $38,805
10 Years: $47,865
Debt-to-Earnings: 0.13x

Earnings Trajectory

How Institute Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

Does It Change Lives?

Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?

Top Programs

The fields Institute of Culinary Education awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.

Culinary & Personal Services 100% $36,968 early-career

Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.

Top Careers

Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Institute of Culinary Education's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.

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Event Planner

$56,920 · 8% growth

Adaptable 64

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Hard to Get Into Institute of Culinary Education? Acceptance Rate & Requirements