Best Culinary Arts and Related Services Degrees in Illinois by ROI
Colleges in Illinois ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in Illinois
7
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$317,718
Across Illinois programs
Average Annual Cost
$20,234
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Richland Community College
Grad rate: 43.0% |
-$151,014 | $35,590 | $11,407 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
National Louis University
Grad rate: 34.5% |
-$186,925 | $36,370 | $25,350 | $17,500 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
Elgin Community College
Grad rate: 38.9% |
-$287,614 | $28,603 | $9,837 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
College of Lake County
Grad rate: 36.0% |
-$337,478 | $26,223 | $10,969 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
Roosevelt University
Grad rate: 41.8% |
-$405,352 | $26,575 | $48,426 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
St. Augustine College
Grad rate: 25.4% |
-$427,412 | $22,935 | $23,056 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
Southwestern Illinois College
Grad rate: 32.5% |
-$428,232 | $21,848 | $12,596 | N/A | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Culinary Arts and Related Services Degrees by State
Browse Culinary Arts and Related Services programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.