19 Best Culinary Schools in America
The culinary world can be very competitive. Many chefs are professionally trained and have years of experience and lots of insider knowledge about the world of food. These days, in order to become a top chef, you really need a culinary degree.
Learning about food is just as important as knowing how to cook. When you know a little bit about the history behind certain cuisines, you appreciate it more. When you learn the science behind how certain foods cook and blend together, you will be able to create fantastic, unique dishes.
Of course, culinary school will also teach you how to work in a commercial kitchen and cook larger quantities of perfect meals. There is quite a lot to learn! The more you know, the better chef you will become.
Luckily, there are some great culinary schools in the United States. Many schools offer quick but thorough certificate programs while others will provide you with a full 6 year master’s degree in the culinary arts.
We are going to dive into the world of culinary schools and see which schools really are the best. The schools on this list will help you become a top chef for sure!
1. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Location: Campuses in Boulder, CO and Austin, TX
The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is one, if not the top culinary school in the world. It has two campuses, both of which offer several different culinary degrees. Complete a simple diploma program in culinary arts or pastry arts or complete a two-year degree to get an associates degree in culinary arts or baking and pastry.
The Escoffier culinary school is the only accredited institution offering 100% online culinary degrees. You can complete courses online and do a hands-on externship at any approved hospitality location. This gives you hands-on, real world experience and also a degree from a fantastic school.
Scholarships and Fees:
Online
- Duration: 60 weeks
- Cost of tuition: $19,495
Austin Campus
- Duration: 30 weeks
- Cost of tuition: $19,473
- $450 Equipment and supplies
Boulder Campus
- Duration: 30 weeks
- Cost of tuition: $16,016
- $450 Equipment and supplies
Website: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
2. Culinary Institute of America
Location: Campuses in Hyde Park, NY, San Antonio, TX, Napa, CA and Singapore
The Culinary Institute of America is known as one of the best culinary schools in the world. With three campuses in the United States and one location in Singapore, there is space for all aspiring chefs. However, the CIA is not easy to get into. You will need several months of culinary experience just to be accepted to the school.
The CIA offers several levels of degrees, beginning with two-year associate degrees all the way up to a six-year Master’s program. Choose between the culinary arts program or the baking and pastry specialty program. With classes like “Chocolates and Confections” and “Wine Studies”, you are sure to have a lot of fun while learning from some of the top chefs in the world.
Scholarships and Fees:
Online
- Cost of tuition: $10,330/first semester; $8,790/second semester; $8,790/third semester; $8,790/fourth semester; $6,160/capstone semester
New York
- Cost of tuition: $16,400
- Other costs: Application, uniform, graduation etc.
California
- Cost of tuition: $16,400
- Other costs: Application, uniform, graduation etc.
Texas
- Cost of tuition: $16,400 – $17,343/first semester; $16,400 – $18,340/second semester
- Other costs: Application, uniform, graduation etc.
Website: Culinary Institute of America
3. Institute of Culinary Education
Location: New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA
ICE is ranked number one culinary school in America, according to USA Today. It is quite a fantastic school, offering diploma programs in culinary arts and baking and pastry. Both programs are about 600 hours and are taught by leaders in the hospitality field.
Choose between two metropolitan campuses, one in Los Angeles, California and the other in downtown Manhattan, New York. In addition to bread baking classes and cake decorating courses, ICE has over 500 special events every year. There are many ways to get involved and fully immerse yourself in the culinary world.
Scholarships and Fees:
New York Campus
- Course duration: 650 hours (8-12 months)
- Cost of tuition: $36,120-$40,730
- Other costs: Plus fees
Los Angeles Campus
- Course duration: 642 hours (8-12 months)
- Cost of tuition: $36,040
- Other costs: Plus fees
Website: Institute of Culinary Education
4. Kendall College School of Culinary Arts
Location: Chicago, IL
If you are looking for a culinary school where you can get an accelerated degree, this is the place for you! Kendall College offers accelerated Associate degree programs in culinary arts and baking and pastry. You can also choose to stay a little longer and get your four-year bachelor’s degree in either field.
The Chicago campus has a state of the art culinary center. You will learn on industrial equipment, giving you lots of hands-on experience for when you enter the real world of hospitality. Professional growth and development courses are completed throughout the program, assessing the skills you have gained and giving pointers to help you become an even better chef.
Scholarships and Fees:
Culinary Arts Certificate
- Course duration: 1 year
- Cost of tuition: $19,309
- Other costs: Plus fees
A.A.S. in Culinary Arts
- Course duration: 2 years
Website: Kendall College School of Culinary Arts
5. Culinary Institute LENOTRE
Location: Houston, TX
If you want to be fully immersed in the culinary world, then The Culinary Institute, Lenotre is the place for you. The school offers various degrees in baking and pastry and also culinary arts. The hospitality and restaurant management degree can be completed in just 90 weeks!
The instructors at CIL average 15 years’ hospitality experience so you know you are being taught by some of the best in the field. Classes are kept small with a 12:1 student teacher ratio. Most of the students’ time is spent in kitchens, giving you real, hands-on experience.
Scholarships and Fees:
Culinary Arts Associate Degree
- Course duration: 100 weeks
- Cost of tuition: est. $11,988
- Other costs: Books, supplies
Culinary Arts Diploma
- Course duration: 50-60 weeks
- Cost of tuition: est. $11,988
- Other costs: Books, supplies
Website: Culinary Institute LENOTRE
6. Johnson and Wales Culinary College
Location: Campuses in Providence, RI and Charlotte, NC
With locations all across the United States, everyone is near a Johnson and Wales Culinary College! The multiple locations is another reason why this school is so well known in the hospitality world. Not only does Johnson and Wales teach students how to cook, they also learn and analyze the ways food impacts us all. You will learn about food from all angles at Johnson and Wales.
The college offers degrees in all areas of hospitality. From a management degree in culinary arts to degrees in Food Innovation and Technology, this school has it all. You can even complete a certificate program in professional craft brewing!
Scholarships and Fees:
Providence
- Course duration: 2 years
- Cost of tuition: $35,750/semester; $71,500/year
- Other costs: Plus fees
Charlotte
- Course duration: 2 years
- Cost of tuition: $35,750/semester; $71,500/year
- Other costs: Plus fees
Website: Johnson and Wales Culinary College
7. Monroe College
Location: Bronx, NY
Monroe college is located just down the street from New York city and its 23,000 restaurants. You can learn about food and then eat some of the best in the world!
Monroe College offers hands-on experience and also a theoretical food education. Choose to follow a culinary arts path, baking and pastry program or hospitality management degree courses. Each one will serve you well once you graduate.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Course duration: 2 years/4 semesters
- Cost of tuition: $7,488/semester; $29,952/year
- Other costs: Plus fees
Website: Monroe College
8. Stratford University School of Culinary Arts
Location: Campuses in Alexandria, Baltimore and Woodbridge, VA
There are multiple Stratford University campuses throughout Virginia, giving you the ability to choose the location you like best. The faculty and students are from countries around the world, leading to a very diverse campus.
Stratford looks to stay at the forefront of culinary education. The school prides itself on teaching new trends and forward thinking culinary innovation. Choose from an associate degree program or a quick, 15-month professional diploma program in Culinary Arts.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Advanced Culinary Arts Professional Diploma
- Associate of Applied Science in Advanced Culinary Arts
Website: Stratford University School of Culinary Arts
9. Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies
Location: Louisville, KY
A degree from Sullivan University will label you a “Professional Baker” or “Professional Cook”. You will be learning from teachers with over 500 combined years of experience in a beautiful commercial kitchen setting.
Sullivan University has some unique culinary degrees that are great for those looking to specialize in niche parts of the industry. If a degree in Event Management or Tourism interests you, then this is the culinary school to choose!
Scholarships and Fees:
Lexington
- Course duration: 21 months/94 Credit Hours
- Cost of tuition: $495.00/Credit Hour/semester; $46,530 total
- Other costs: Plus fees
Louisville
- Course duration: 21 months/94 Credit Hours;
- Cost of tuition: $495.00/Credit Hour/semester; $46,530 total
- Other costs: Plus fees
Website: Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies
10. Culinary Institute of Virginia
Location: Campuses in Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Norfolk, VA
The Culinary Institute of Virginia offers year-round classes, allowing you to earn your Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree quickly. Students will “learn by doing” with lots of cooking classes incorporated into the schedule.
The two campuses are designed to immerse students in the culinary world. In addition to the accredited culinary classes, there are cooking clubs, sponsored competitions, and catering events on campus. Students who graduate from CIV have gone on to work at Disney, NASA, and Aramark to name just a few of the school’s top employers.
Scholarships and Fees:
ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN BAKING AND PASTRY ARTS
- Course duration: 15 months
- Cost of tuition: $17,424
Website: Culinary Institute of Virginia
11. Pierpont Community & Technical College
Location: North Central, WV
Pierpont Community & Technical College has a smaller culinary program. However, it is still one of the best in the country! The college offers degrees in food service management, culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, and nutrition and dietetics technology.
Pierpont college stresses the importance of food service and hospitality throughout our country. With 13 million people employed in the hospitality field, there will always be jobs for those who hold a culinary degree!
Scholarships and Fees:
Culinary Arts, C.A.S.
- Course duration: 2 semesters
- Cost of tuition: $5,626 (in-state)/ $12,416 (out-of-state)
- Other costs: Plus fees
Food Service Management, Culinary Arts, A.A.S.
- Course duration: 4 semesters
- Cost of tuition: $11,252 (in-state)/ $24,832 (out-of-state)
- Other costs: Plus fees
Website: Pierpont Community & Technical College
12. College of Southern Nevada
Location: North Las Vegas, NV
The College of Southern Nevada offers both culinary and baking programs. The school is accredited by the American Culinary Federation, who also ranks the program as “exemplary”. Sounds like a high quality program to us!
Students graduate with the title of “Culinarian”. Classes prepare you for a job as a pastry chef, executive chef, prep cook or food manager. You are sure to learn some great new skills at CSN!
Scholarships and Fees:
Culinary Arts, CA
- Course duration: 2 terms
- Cost of tuition: $3,400.7
- Other costs: Plus NON-RESIDENT FEE of $3,843.00 per semester and other fees
Culinary Arts, AAS
- Course duration: 4 terms
- Cost of tuition: $7,459.6
- Other costs: Plus NON-RESIDENT FEE of $3,843.00 per semester and other fees
Website: College of Southern Nevada
13. Metropolitan Community College
Location: Omaha, NE
The Metropolitan Community College offers associate degree programs in both culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. There are also two degree options in the fields of Food and Event Management and Hospitality Entrepreneurship. If you have ever wanted to own your own restaurant, this is the course to take!
MCC will give you the foundation you need to become a professional chef or baker. You will learn in state of the art kitchens with amazing chef teachers leading the way. Build strong leadership skills and teamwork skills while working and learning in small, real-life class settings.
Scholarships and Fees:
Culinary Arts and Management (CAMCE)
- Course duration: 1 year
- Cost of tuition: $3,267 (Nebraska residents)/ $4,900.5 (non-Neb. and international)
- Other costs: Plus fees
Culinary Arts and Management – Culinary Arts Curriculum Plan
- Course duration: 2 years
- Cost of tuition: $6,699 (Nebraska residents)/ $10,048.5 (non-Neb. and international)
- Other costs: Plus fees
Website: Metropolitan Community College
14. Henry Ford College
Location: Dearborn, MI
Earn a two-semester degree in Culinary Skills, Baking and Pastry or Hotel Services. You can also build on this diploma program and go right into an accredited associates degree program. When you leave Henry Ford, you will have the skills and degree you need to get noticed in the culinary world.
Henry Ford College culinary classes are modeled on European cooking schools, which require hours and hours of hands-on lab experience and internships in order to graduate. This method helps create well rounded chefs who will be able to run a real kitchen immediately after graduation.
Scholarships and Fees:
Culinary Arts Associate in Applied Science
- Course duration: 71 credit hours
- Cost of tuition: $13,099 (in-state)/ $18,993 (out-of-state)
- Other costs: Plus fees
Culinary Arts Bachelor of Science
- Course duration: 120 credit hours
- Cost of tuition: $22,140 (in-state)/ $32,100 (out-of-state)
- Other costs: Plus fees
Website: Henry Ford College
15. Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College
Location: Traverse City, MI
The culinary arts program at Great Lakes culinary Institute will prepare you for any chef or kitchen management position. The school prides itself on “learning by doing”. Students will get to work in a real, 90-seat restaurant serving patrons from all over the country.
Earn a culinary arts level three certificate or a baking level one certificate. You can also work towards an associates degree in applied sciences with a specialty in culinary arts.
Scholarships and Fees:
Culinary Arts Certificate Level 1
- Course duration: 1 year
- Cost of tuition: Coming fall 2022
Culinary Arts Certificate of Achievement
- Course duration: 2 years
- Cost of tuition: $14,700 (in-state)/$19,600 (out-of-state)
- Other costs: Plus fees
Culinary Arts Associate in Applied Science Degree
- Course duration: 2 years
- Cost of tuition: $19,800 (in-state)/ $26,400 (out-of-state)
- Other costs: Plus fees
Website: Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College
16. Culinary Studies Institute at Oakland Community College
Location: Farmington Hills, MI
Attending the Culinary Studies Institute at Oakland Community College will give you the chance to earn an associates degree in applied science with a focus on culinary arts. This program is designed to give students the foundation needed to become an executive chef or food and beverage manager.
The first year of the program focuses on the history of food and technical knowledge needed to work in a kitchen. The second year builds on culinary skills, practicing both classical and contemporary cuisines. It is a well rounded and thorough program.
Scholarships and Fees:
Culinary Arts (CUL.AAS)
- Course duration: 2 years
- Cost of tuition: $6,732 (in-district)/ $13,056 (out-of district)
- Other costs: Plus fees
Website: Culinary Studies Institute at Oakland Community College
17. Southern Maine Community College
Location: South Portland, ME
Did you know that the food industry estimates that about 60,000 new chefs will be needed each year in the United States? SMCC is ready to help fill this demand with highly educated professional chefs! Earn an associates degree in culinary arts at SMCC and you will surely be ready to step right into the work force.
The program covers all aspects of fundamental food preparation. You will learn about meats, fish, vegetables, sauces, soups, bread, and so much more. There is also an emphasis on kitchen management and business management. This is ideal for anyone looking to learn the business side of the culinary world as well as what goes on in a kitchen.
Scholarships and Fees:
Culinary Arts
- Course duration: 2 years
- Cost of tuition: $6298
Website: Southern Maine Community College
18. Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington
Location: Bloomington, IN
Ivy Tech prides itself on being ¼ the cost of other culinary schools in the area. Despite the discounted price, the school is accredited by the American Culinary Federation and recognized as an outstanding program. Choose between a certificate program or a two-year degree in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts or hospitality management.
The students are trained to meet the standards laid out by the American Culinary Federation. Graduates go on to hold jobs such as sous chef, culinary specialty, and even restaurant owner. Your culinary career dreams can come true with a degree from Ivy Tech.
Scholarships and Fees:
Technical Certificate – Culinary Arts
- Course duration: 2-3 semesters
- Cost of tuition/semester: $2,243.25 for in-state students; $4388.55 for out of state students
- Cost of tuition/year: $4486.5-$6729.75 for in-state students; $8777.1-$13165.65 for out of state students
Associate of Applied Science – Culinary Arts
- Course duration: 4 semesters
- Cost of tuition/semester: $2,243.25 for in-state students; $4388.55 for out of state students
- Cost of tuition/year: $8973 for in-state students; $17554.2 for out of state students
Website: Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington
19. Anne Arundel Community College-Hotel, Culinary Arts, and Tourism Institute
Location: Arnold, MD
The Anne Arundel Community College offers several different types of culinary programs. There are continuing education courses, personal enrichment classes, and culinary credit classes that can be applied to many different science majors. With so many options, we can see why this is one of the top culinary schools!
A team of professional chefs lead the culinary program at AACC. They teach the ins and outs of the kitchen while allowing you to pursue your passion for cooking. Start off with a simple, personal enrichment class and then stay for a full degree! Once you take a class or two, you will definitely be hooked on learning the culinary field.
Website: Anne Arundel Community College-Hotel, Culinary Arts, and Tourism Institute
There are so many fantastic culinary schools across America. Each one will help you become a better chef and teach you all about how to be successful in the hospitality field. Having a culinary school degree will add a lot of merit to your resumé. You are sure to get that culinary job you want at the best restaurant in town if you have a degree from one of these schools under your belt. Now the question is, which top culinary school to choose…
Permanently Closed – New England Culinary Institute
Location: Montpelier, VT
The New England Culinary Institute was one of the best culinary schools in the United States. It offered several different degree programs in both culinary arts and baking and pastry.
The scenic campus was located in scenic Vermont. A degree from NECI held a lot of weight in the culinary field. Its alumni include celebrity chefs Alton Brown and Gavin Kaysen. The school closed its doors in Decemeber 2020 after 40 years in operation.
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