Southeastern University vs. Culinary Institute of America

Comparable Facts

Compare Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL with Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southeastern University is larger than Culinary Institute of America based on total student enrollment (11,510 students vs. 3,147 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southeastern University is located in Lakeland, FL (Small City setting); Culinary Institute of America is in Hyde Park, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Southeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Culinary Institute of America is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southeastern University 19:1; Culinary Institute of America 18:1.

Southeastern University vs. Culinary Institute of America Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southeastern University or Culinary Institute of America? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Southeastern University than Culinary Institute of America ($32,334 vs. $39,581).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southeastern University are 25.9% lower than at Culinary Institute of America ($11,130 vs. $15,030).
• Culinary Institute of America is 20.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southeastern University (about $6,900 more per year; $39,850.00 vs. $32,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.9% higher at Culinary Institute of America than at Southeastern University (about $6,900 more per year; $39,850.00 vs. $32,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Culinary Institute of America than at Southeastern University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Culinary Institute of America students is 12.3% larger than aid received by Southeastern University students ($19,350 vs. $17,238).

Southeastern University vs. Culinary Institute of America Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southeastern University or Culinary Institute of America? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Culinary Institute of America and Southeastern University.

• Southeastern University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southeastern University (1070) is 10 points higher than at Culinary Institute of America (1060).
• Incoming Southeastern University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Culinary Institute of America).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southeastern University 960/1183; Culinary Institute of America 928/1183.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southeastern University 19/25; Culinary Institute of America 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southeastern University - Open admission; Culinary Institute of America - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southeastern University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southeastern University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Culinary Institute of America (3.26).
• Culinary Institute of America has a higher acceptance rate (91.1%) than Southeastern University (53%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 48.6% at Southeastern University vs. 31% at Culinary Institute of America.

Southeastern University vs. Culinary Institute of America Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southeastern University and Culinary Institute of America? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Culinary Institute of America earn a median of about $10,900 more per year than Southeastern University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,600 vs. $35,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Culinary Institute of America graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Southeastern University graduates ($15,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Culinary Institute of America graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southeastern University graduates ($155 vs. $222).
• More Culinary Institute of America graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southeastern University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 58%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.