Culinary Arts at Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,959/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk Low (20% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)
ROI 7.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #3 of 12 Culinary Arts and Related Services programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

While many culinary programs focus purely on knife skills, your SNHU degree is uniquely positioned to lead toward management and business operations. The curriculum's strength isn't just about crafting the perfect dish, but understanding the entire system behind it—from supply chain to profit margins. This business-centric approach explains why graduates often move into higher-paying roles like food service management for large institutions or hotel groups in the New England region, rather than staying on the line. Manchester's proximity to Boston also opens up a major metropolitan market for ambitious graduates. To maximize your investment, lean into the business courses and seek internships that focus on operational challenges, not just kitchen prep. This will fast-track you toward a leadership role with a more stable and lucrative career path.

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 $482K $482K $454K
Earnings Multiple 7.3x 7.3x 6.9x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 42% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$65,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$134,968
-105% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,782
25% growth from Year 1

About Southern New Hampshire University

A 96% acceptance rate means Southern New Hampshire University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 156,755 students in Manchester, NH. 47% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern New Hampshire 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 Southern New Hampshire 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

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Culinary Arts at Southern New Hampshire University?
At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Culinary Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Southern New Hampshire University one of the best schools for Culinary Arts?
Among 12 Culinary Arts programs, Southern New Hampshire University's #3 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →