Culinary Arts at Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
39
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%

Program Analysis

Your path in culinary arts from Nicholls State reflects a unique regional labor market. Given its location in Thibodaux, your initial earnings may differ from graduates of programs in major metropolitan culinary hubs, where higher cost-of-living often translates to higher wages in hospitality. This program excels at preparing you for the distinctive culinary landscape of South Louisiana, famous for its rich Cajun and Creole traditions. You'll find strong opportunities in local restaurants, catering, and institutional food service within the region, where your specialized knowledge of the local cuisine is highly valued. The curriculum also equips you for roles beyond the kitchen, like food science or management, which can offer stronger financial growth. To maximize your potential, consider gaining early management experience or exploring opportunities that leverage the region's agricultural and seafood industries.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Culinary Arts 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

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 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 program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Culinary Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Nicholls State University Culinary Arts 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 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 →