Culinary Arts and Related Services at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,775/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk Low (20% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #11 of 12 Culinary Arts and Related Services programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $455K $455K $431K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.8x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 42% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$161,632
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$115,604
28% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,083
19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,775 at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte come in 15% above the national median of $28,611 for Culinary Arts and Related Services programs.

An earnings multiple of 2.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

With only 20% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 5%. Career paths for Culinary Arts and Related Services are among the more automation-resistant we measure.

At #11 out of 12 programs, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte's financial outcomes for Culinary Arts and Related Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $32,775 to $39,083 over five years (19% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte accepts 75% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 1,126 in Charlotte, NC. Pell Grant recipients make up 52% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte →

Top Career Paths

Food scientists and technologists $85,310/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
Food service managers $65,310/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Culinary Arts and Related Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte's Culinary Arts and Related Services program score?
This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for Culinary Arts and Related Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →