ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Baking & Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef Associate’s Degree Schools

36 Colleges in the United States
$14,376 Avg Student Debt
$40,827 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Baking & Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef Associate's Degree Badge [Baking & Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef](/majors/personal-and-culinary-services/culinary-arts/baking-and-pastry-arts-baker-pastry-chef/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 209 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/personal-and-culinary-services/culinary-arts/baking-and-pastry-arts-baker-pastry-chef/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/personal-and-culinary-services/culinary-arts/baking-and-pastry-arts-baker-pastry-chef/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/personal-and-culinary-services/culinary-arts/baking-and-pastry-arts-baker-pastry-chef/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/personal-and-culinary-services/culinary-arts/baking-and-pastry-arts-baker-pastry-chef/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/personal-and-culinary-services/culinary-arts/baking-and-pastry-arts-baker-pastry-chef/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/personal-and-culinary-services/culinary-arts/baking-and-pastry-arts-baker-pastry-chef/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/personal-and-culinary-services/culinary-arts/baking-and-pastry-arts-baker-pastry-chef/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 1
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 12.05), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Culinary & Pastry)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Trade & Vocational Programs (Culinary & Pastry)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 1
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 1 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 1
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 1 offers with relevance >= 1.0

2026 Best Value Baking & Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Baking & Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef Schools

1

Suffolk County Community College earned the #1 spot for value among baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef schools in the United States. Located in the suburb of Selden, Suffolk County Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,630 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,460. Typical student debt for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates is $11,246. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates of Suffolk County Community College earn a median of $35,667 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,246 median debt.

2

Clover Park Technical College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef schools. Located in the city of Lakewood, Clover Park Technical College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,634. Typical student debt for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates is $15,154. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates of Clover Park Technical College earn a median of $42,209 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,154 median debt.

3
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX

El Centro College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef schools. El Centro College is a very large public school located in the city of Dallas. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Students borrow a median of $9,218 to complete the baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef program here. Soon after graduation, baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef degree recipients from El Centro College generally make around $31,770. That is a strong return on a $9,218 median debt.

4

Central Piedmont Community College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef schools. Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Charlotte. Students from in state pay about $2,792 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,936. Typical student debt for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates is $11,861. Early-career baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates make about $27,127. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Students looking for strong value in baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef will find it at Moraine Valley Community College, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,822, with out-of-state students paying around $9,846. Typical student debt for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates is $11,149. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates of Moraine Valley Community College earn a median of $43,844 early in their careers. Set against $11,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

ADBLOCK #101
6

Trident Technical College earned the #6 position for value in baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef this year. Trident Technical College is a very large public school located in the city of Charleston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,546, with out-of-state students paying around $8,620. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef degree recipients from Trident Technical College generally make around $50,166. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt.

7

Kalamazoo Valley Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef schools. Located in the suburb of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,144 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,094. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates carry a median of $14,382 in student loans. Soon after graduation, baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef degree recipients from Kalamazoo Valley Community College generally make around $26,843. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Pensacola State College placed #8 among the best values for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef. Located in the city of Pensacola, Pensacola State College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,361, compared with $9,463 for out-of-state students. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates carry a median of $9,191 in student loans. Early-career baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates make about $45,811. Set against $9,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Cuyahoga Community College District ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef schools. Set in the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Community College District is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,249, while out-of-state students pay about $7,249. Students borrow a median of $14,636 to complete the baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef program here. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates of Cuyahoga Community College District earn a median of $39,394 early in their careers. Set against $14,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

Central New Mexico Community College placed #10 among the best values for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef. Located in the city of Albuquerque, Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Students borrow a median of $10,112 to complete the baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef program here. Soon after graduation, baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef degree recipients from Central New Mexico Community College generally make around $23,139. That is a strong return on a $10,112 median debt.

ADBLOCK #115
11

South Texas College landed the #11 spot for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef value this year. Set in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,920, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. Typical student debt for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates is $6,868. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates of South Texas College earn a median of $24,084 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $6,868 median debt.

12

Renton Technical College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef schools. Located in the city of Renton, Renton Technical College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,330, compared with $7,768 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,582 to complete the baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef program here. Early-career baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates make about $80,411. That is a strong return on a $18,582 median debt.

13

Horry Georgetown Technical College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef schools. Located in the city of Conway, Horry Georgetown Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,518 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,978. Typical student debt for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates is $19,500. Early-career baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates make about $24,466. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt.

14
Triton College crest
Triton College
River Grove, IL

Triton College placed #14 among the best values for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef. Triton College is a large public school located in the suburb of River Grove. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,070, with out-of-state students paying around $15,330. Typical student debt for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates is $12,994. Soon after graduation, baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef degree recipients from Triton College generally make around $43,278. That is a strong return on a $12,994 median debt.

15

Bellingham Technical College came in at #15 for value in baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef this year. Set in the city of Bellingham, Bellingham Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,431 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,809. Median earnings reach $49,748 ten years out.

ADBLOCK #145
16
Del Mar College crest
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TX

Del Mar College came in at #16 for value in baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef this year. Set in the city of Corpus Christi, Del Mar College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,500 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,050. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates carry a median of $7,476 in student loans. Soon after graduation, baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef degree recipients from Del Mar College generally make around $40,661. That is a strong return on a $7,476 median debt.

17

Henry Ford Community College placed #17 among the best values for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef. Set in the city of Dearborn, Henry Ford Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,568, compared with $7,816 for out-of-state students. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates carry a median of $19,144 in student loans. Early-career baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates make about $36,247. Set against $19,144 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18

Richland Community College placed #18 among the best values for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef. Located in the city of Decatur, Richland Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,680 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,070 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,562 to complete the baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef program here. Early-career baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates make about $46,233. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

19

Northwestern Michigan College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef schools. Set in the city of Traverse City, Northwestern Michigan College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,860 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,476. Typical student debt for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates is $14,199. Soon after graduation, baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef degree recipients from Northwestern Michigan College generally make around $26,586. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20
Oakland Community College crest
Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI

Oakland Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef schools. Set in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates carry a median of $15,865 in student loans. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates of Oakland Community College earn a median of $43,205 early in their careers. Set against $15,865 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

ADBLOCK #150
21

Schoolcraft College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef schools. Schoolcraft College is a large public school located in the city of Livonia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,799, while out-of-state students pay about $6,501. Typical student debt for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates is $15,750. Soon after graduation, baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef degree recipients from Schoolcraft College generally make around $27,248. That is a strong return on a $15,750 median debt.

22
St Philips College crest
St Philips College
San Antonio, TX

St Philips College earned the #22 position for value in baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef this year. St Philips College is a very large public school located in the city of San Antonio. In-state tuition and fees average $3,412, while out-of-state students pay about $9,952. Students borrow a median of $15,653 to complete the baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef program here. Soon after graduation, baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef degree recipients from St Philips College generally make around $45,185. Set against $15,653 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23

Joliet Junior College came in at #23 for value in baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef this year. Located in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,530, while out-of-state students pay about $13,800. Students borrow a median of $16,375 to complete the baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef program here. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates of Joliet Junior College earn a median of $28,252 early in their careers. Set against $16,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

24

Elgin Community College came in at #24 for value in baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef this year. Located in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,252 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,516. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates carry a median of $7,727 in student loans. Early-career baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef graduates make about $43,975. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

25

Spokane Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef schools. Located in the city of Spokane, Spokane Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,461, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Students borrow a median of $16,486 to complete the baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef program here. Baking & Pastry Arts/baker/pastry Chef graduates of Spokane Community College earn a median of $23,529 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,486 median debt.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Baking & Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef this year:

26
27
28
29
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL
30
31
32
33
34
35
Burlington County College crest
Burlington County College
Mount Laurel, NJ
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
Daytona State College crest
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, FL
50

Other Baking & Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef Degree Levels

Explore the best-value baking & pastry arts/baker/pastry chef schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Baking & Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef
Bachelor's Degrees in Baking & Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef
Master's Degrees in Baking & Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef
ADBLOCK #173
View All Baking & Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 209 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 36 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options