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Culinary Arts and Related Services at Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,038/yr (-19% vs median)

AI Risk Low (20% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)

ROI 14.4x earnings multiple (12.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #5 of 12 Culinary Arts and Related Services programs Top 50%

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	$470K	$470K	$444K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.4x	14.4x	13.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	12.7x	12.7x	12.0x
Probability of Field Employment	42%	42%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	40	39	39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$32,692

Out-of-state: $37,064 (12.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$48,364

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

13.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$38,417

67% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Nicholls State University's Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates start at $23,038/yr, trailing the $28,611 national average by 19%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 14.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

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.

The $25,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $23,038 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

Ranked #5 out of 12 programs, Nicholls State University's Culinary Arts and Related Services offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $23,038 to $38,417 over five years (67% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Nicholls State University

A 96% acceptance rate means Nicholls State University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 4,772 students in Thibodaux, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at Nicholls State University →

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 Nicholls State University

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 Nicholls State University's Culinary Arts and Related Services program score?

This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Culinary Arts and Related Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do Nicholls State University Culinary Arts and Related Services graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.

Why are Culinary Arts and Related Services earnings lower at Nicholls State University?

Lower starting pay at Nicholls State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →