Culinary Arts at Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus

Carolina, PR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Culinary Arts and Related Services
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $14,017/yr (-51% vs median)
AI Risk Low (20% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (789,200 openings/yr)
ROI 16.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #10 of 12 Culinary Arts and Related Services programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data for this program reflects the unique economic landscape of Puerto Rico, where compensation for culinary professionals often differs from mainland US averages. While the island boasts a vibrant food scene, opportunities in hotels, resorts, and local restaurants typically come with wages tailored to the regional cost of living. Your career path here will likely involve hands-on work in bustling kitchens, contributing to the island's tourism and local dining culture. The program likely emphasizes practical skills essential for immediate employment within this context. Consider that early career growth often depends on building a strong reputation and network within the local hospitality industry. To maximize your potential, focus intensely on skill specialization and actively seek out mentors. Explore entrepreneurship or niche areas like catering or food product development, as these can offer paths to higher income beyond traditional kitchen roles.

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 $454K $455K $431K
Earnings Multiple 16.4x 16.4x 15.6x
Probability of Field Employment 42% 42% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$27,680
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$30,276
-9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,025
11.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,032
121% growth from Year 1

About Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus

with a smaller student body of 4,383 in Carolina, PR. Pell Grant recipients make up 70% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus →

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 Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus

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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Culinary Arts at Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus?
At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Culinary Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus a good choice for Culinary Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina Campus's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →