For those who love to cook, culinary programs offer the opportunity to combine passion with profession. Emphasizing hands-on learning, culinary degrees prepare students to enter a variety of positions in the food industry, working in restaurants, bakeries, and other culinary environments. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for both bakers and chefs to increase 5% and 6% from 2019-2029, respectively. These rates are higher than the national average.
Culinary programs typically focus on either culinary arts or baking and pastries. Coursework highlights topics including culinary techniques, regional and international cuisines, and food safety. Culinary arts programs build broad cooking knowledge, while baking programs focus on specialized techniques for preparing pastries and other baked goods. Some programs may also emphasize kitchen and restaurant management.
Culinary programs vary in length, and schools may offer different levels of education, including diplomas, certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Certificates and diplomas may take as few as 6-12 months to complete, while bachelor’s degrees typically take up to four years.
The COVID-19 pandemic took a heavy toll on the restaurant industry, leading to the closure of 110,000 restaurants and bars in 2020 alone. However, demand for restaurant experience remains high, and decreasing real estate prices should create many new restaurants and job opportunities for chefs. Restaurant closures and dining restrictions have also increased demand for personal chefs, creating additional job opportunities for culinary graduates.
Our ranking compiles 13 of the top culinary programs in the country. Read on to find information on program offerings, tuition rates, completion times, and online enrollment options.
You may also want to check out other high paying trade school degrees.
Learn more about our selection process by visiting our Methodology page.
Arizona Culinary Institute
Emphasizing hands-on learning and kitchen experience, ACI hosts some of the top culinary programs in Arizona. The school offers three programs, including certificates in culinary arts and baking/pastry. Students can also earn one diploma in culinary arts, baking, and restaurant management. ACI offers both daytime and nighttime enrollment options, enabling students to work while completing any program.
The culinary arts diploma incorporates all course material from the different certificate programs. Candidates complete courses including saucier and meat fabrication, baking and pastry, and food and beverage management career development. All candidates complete a seven-credit, 210-hour internship in a professional kitchen.
Program(s) at a Glance
- Location: Scottsdale, AZ
- Tuition: $27,795 total (diploma), $10,046-$10,625 total (certificates)
- Program Length: 9-40 weeks
- Delivery Format: On campus
Boston University
One of Boston’s major private colleges, BU offers a certificate of culinary arts program. Founded in 1989, the program was developed with world famous chefs Jacques Pépin and Julia Child. The certificate emphasizes both international cuisine and French techniques. This intensive program lasts one semester and includes over 400 hours of instruction.
Students receive a broad overview of key culinary areas including herbs and salads, poultry and meats, and ethnic and regional dishes. The program primarily takes place in BU’s demonstration kitchen facility, which includes industry-standard cooking equipment. BU also offers online programs in culinary arts, pastry arts, and regional Italian cuisine.
Program(s) at a Glance
- Location: Boston, MA
- Tuition: $14,200 total
- Program Length: One semester
- Delivery Format: Both online and on campus
Coastal Alabama Community College
Ranked among the country’s top culinary programs, Coastal Alabama Community College offers several degrees and certificates. Candidates choose from an associate of applied science or certificate program in either culinary arts or pastry baking.
Courses in the 72-credit culinary arts associate program include food preparation, food purchasing and cost control, and foundations in nutrition. Candidates also complete a field experience centered on savory cuisine. The field experience enables students to gain hands-on experience in a professional restaurant setting. At the program’s conclusion, candidates complete a one-credit culinary arts capstone that ties together major program themes.
Program(s) at a Glance
- Location: Bay Minette, AL
- Tuition: $162/credit
- Program Length: 3-5 semesters
- Delivery Format: On campus
Columbus State Community College
Columbus State offers some of Ohio’s top culinary programs, featuring several associate degrees and certificates. The school’s associate programs include baking and pastry arts, culinary apprenticeship. Columbus State also offers a certificate in baking. Culinary students benefit from top-notch campus facilities, including teaching kitchens and a student-run bakery and restaurant.
The culinary apprentice program operates in partnership with the American Culinary Federation. Students apprentice under a professional chef, working one day per week while also taking culinary courses. Program graduates earn an associate of applied science degree. Graduates also qualify for the certified culinarian and certified sous chef exams.
Program(s) at a Glance
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Tuition: $162.93/credit
- Program Length: 3-8 semesters
- Delivery Format: On campus
Dallas College
Home to some of Texas’ top culinary programs, Dallas College offers both associate degrees and certificates. Candidates can choose from education pathways in bakery/pastry arts and culinary arts. Most programs take place at the El Centro campus in Downtown Dallas.
The culinary arts associate program includes both practical culinary skills and management theory. Management topics include nutrition, menu planning, and kitchen layout and design. The culinary section emphasizes both international and regional cuisines. Courses cover practices in saucier, garde manger, and quantity production. Candidates also complete multiple experiential courses, including a practicum and a cooperative education placement in a restaurant.
Program(s) at a Glance
- Location: Dallas, TX
- Tuition: $79/credit
- Program Length: 2-5 semesters
- Delivery Format: On campus
Florida State College at Jacksonville
One of Florida’s major public colleges, FSCJ offers an associate of science in culinary management. The degree prepares students for supervisory and production line roles in kitchens. The program curriculum highlights culinary theory, laboratory, and restaurant experience. FSCJ boasts an 85% job placement rate among recent culinary graduates.
Candidates complete a minimum of 60 credits, including 45 credits of culinary coursework. Common course topics include dining room management, international foods, and catering and buffet management. All candidates also complete two 300-hour internships, gaining hands-on experience in a restaurant or hospitality setting. The program ends with a culinary capstone in which students produce upscale food items.
Program(s) at a Glance
- Location: Jacksonville, FL
- Tuition: $6,293 total
- Program Length: Two years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Indian Hills Community College
One of Iowa’s top community colleges, IHCC also offers one of the state’s best culinary programs. The school’s associate of applied science in culinary arts emphasizes skills in both cooking and baking. The degree also highlights professionalism, supervisory skills, and networking.
Degree candidates complete 82-84 credits total across seven semesters. Typical courses include principles of cooking, dining service, and food service entrepreneurship. IHCC also enables students to complete an international food excursion worth up to 12 credits. This study abroad experience sends students to a foreign country to learn about international cooking techniques and cultural exchange.
Program(s) at a Glance
- Location: Ottumwa, IA
- Tuition: $190/credit
- Program Length: 21 months
- Delivery Format: On campus
Institute of Culinary Education
One of the country’s top culinary schools, ICE offers programs including pastry and baking arts, culinary arts, and health-supportive culinary arts. Campus locations in New York and Los Angeles offer many opportunities to engage with two top food cities. Some of ICE’s most notable alumni include Top Chef judge Gail Simmons, A Chef’s Life host Vivian Howard, and Chopped judge Marc Murphy.
The culinary arts program includes 650 instructional hours, divided between 440 classroom hours and 210 externship hours. The 632-hour health-supportive culinary arts program focuses on plant-based cooking, including vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
Recommended Schools
Program(s) at a Glance
- Location: New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA
- Tuition: $32,000-$34,000 total
- Program Length: 6-13 months
- Delivery Format: On campus
Johnson & Wales University
One of Rhode Island’s top private colleges, JWU offers several culinary programs at the associate and bachelor’s level. Some of the school’s degree offerings include baking and pastry arts, culinary arts, and culinary nutrition. JWU also hosts online options including a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts and food service management.
The culinary arts program emphasizes both technical cooking skills and the business side of the restaurant industry. Candidates complete courses including international cuisines and culinary cultures, chef-driven fine dining concepts, and culinary operations and facility management. Students also complete an advanced internship in a professional culinary environment.
Program(s) at a Glance
- Location: Providence, RI
- Tuition: $35,750/year
- Program Length: 2-4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus, Both
Lincoln Culinary Institute
Part of the Lincoln Tech vocational college system, the Lincoln Culinary Institute offers certificate programs in culinary arts and food services and international baking and pastry. The school holds accreditation from the esteemed American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission.
Both culinary programs include 37.5-39 credits and a total of 1,080 instructional hours. The culinary arts program covers topics such as menu planning and nutrition, international cuisine and culture, and personal/private chef. The baking and pastry program highlights advanced baking techniques, with courses including artisan breads, techniques and artistry in sugar, and contemporary and classical cakes.
Program(s) at a Glance
- Location: Shelton, CTt; Columbia, MD
- Tuition: $20,340/year
- Program Length: 66 weeks
- Delivery Format: On campus
Sullivan University
One of Kentucky’s top private colleges, Sullivan offers four culinary programs at the diploma and associate level. Candidates can pursue professional baker and professional cook diplomas. Sullivan also offers associate of science degrees in culinary arts and baking/pastry arts.
Sullivan’s diploma programs prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the culinary industry. Candidates can choose from either traditional or accelerated enrollment options. The school’s associate programs build more comprehensive skills and prepare graduates for more advanced culinary positions. Associate degree candidates also complete practicums and externships, gaining professional experience at restaurants throughout Louisville and Lexington.
Program(s) at a Glance
- Location: Louisville, KY and Lexington, KY
- Tuition: $495/credit
- Program Length: 9-24 months
- Delivery Format: On campus
The Art Institutes
Operating campuses around the country, The Art Institutes offer some of the top U.S culinary programs. The school’s culinary offerings include baking and pastry, culinary arts, and culinary management. Candidates can pursue culinary programs at the diploma and associate level.
Culinary arts students gain a broad understanding of traditional and emerging cuisines. Common course topics include classical techniques, foodservice technology, and American regional cuisine. The baking and pastry program explores topics such as ingredients, weights and measures, and dessert planning and preparation. The culinary management track highlights culinary techniques and management skills for both front and back of house.
Program(s) at a Glance
- Location: Tampa, FL; Atlanta, GA; Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, TX; Virginia Beach, VA
- Tuition: $535/credit
- Program Length: 16-24 months
- Delivery Format: On campus
Walnut Hill College
Walnut Hill College hosts some of Pennsylvania’s top culinary programs. Students choose from programs in culinary arts, pastry arts, and restaurant management. The school offers culinary degrees at the associate and bachelor’s level. Along with campus courses, culinary and pastry students participate in a study abroad experience in France. This week-long course explores regional cuisine and the French culinary industry.
Culinary students benefit from Walnut Hill’s extensive campus facilities and professional connections. The school’s campus houses four restaurants where students can gain hands-on experience. The college also maintains connections to nearly 650 professional job sites, which offer other experiential learning opportunities.
Program(s) at a Glance
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Tuition: $6,550/term full-time, $9,825/term part-time
- Program Length: 2-4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus