Best Culinary Programs

Working in the food industry can be a satisfying and lucrative career. The median pay for a chef or head cook in the U.S. is $53,380, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Even better, the field is supposed to grow by 25% over the next decade, which is much faster than average — meaning that top chefs will have their choice of career options. Becoming a chef is possible with only a high school diploma, but it also requires significant on-the-job experience. A culinary program can help you get the experience you need and expedite your career.

20 Best Culinary Programs

The best culinary programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF), which the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes.

While a local culinary school with a different accreditor might still be worthwhile to attend, all of the following schools are accredited by the industry standard, the ACFEF. They're all also reasonably priced and have good graduation rates. Here are 20 of the best culinary schools in alphabetical order:

How to Become a Chef

Many chefs start out with a high school diploma or GED. Most apprenticeship programs and culinary schools require this, so it's worth staying in school until you have a diploma in hand.

You will also want to look for an entry-level job in the foodservice industry. This will not be glamorous: You may end up clearing tables or washing dishes. But do your job well, and the professionals at the top of the ladder might notice you. You'll also find out if it's the right career for you.

Then, consider higher education. You may opt for a two-year degree at a community college, an intensive four-year degree that leads to a bachelor's, or attend a culinary arts program at a vocational school. The latter will focus exclusively on the tools you need to become a respected chef or cook.

FAQs on Culinary Programs

How to Choose the Right Culinary Program

The best culinary programs offer students the opportunity to learn in a structured setting and gain experience that will serve them in the industry. Here are a few of the things you should look for when choosing the culinary programs that are best for you:

Other Ways to Become a Chef

Some chefs achieve their professional goals without formal education, and in fact, foodservice is one of the few areas where that is possible. But that doesn't mean it's easy. Celebrity chefs such as Rachael Ray, Ina Garten, and Tom Colicchio never went to culinary school. They learned their skills by working their way up through the ranks.

Of course, this takes time and luck, and if you are hoping to earn a good salary with decent benefits, a culinary institute or school may be your best bet.

In addition to basic undergraduate or technical degrees in the culinary sciences, you can also earn an advanced master's-level degree in areas such as wine and beverage management and business with a focus on food management. Degrees like these prepare you for management positions in the hotel and restaurant industry.

Financial Aid for Your Culinary Program

Scholarships for Culinary Programs

American Academy of Chefs Culinary Federation Scholarships

• Who qualifies: Students with a GPA of 2.75 or higher in an accredited, post-secondary college
• What it covers: $1,500-$2,500
• Deadline: April 30 and October 31 of each year
• Other important information: Students must major in culinary or pastry arts or be ACF-registered apprentices.

Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarships

• Who qualifies: Graduating high school students who promote vegetarianism in their schools and communities
• What it covers: $5,000-$10,000
• Deadline: February 20
• Other important information: Applicants will be judged on compassion, courage, and commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet/lifestyle.

Federal Grants for Culinary Programs

Pell Grants

• Who qualifies: Undergraduate students with a demonstrated financial need
• What it covers: Up to $6,495 (until June 30, 2022)
• Deadline: June 30, 2022
• Other important information: Begin the process by filling out a FAFSA form.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

• Who qualifies: students enrolled in undergraduate programs with exceptional financial need
• What it covers: $1,000-$4,000
• Deadline: June 30, 2022
• Other important information: FSEOG are administered directly by your school's financial aid office.

Companies with Tuition Reimbursement Incentive Programs (TRIPs)

Starbucks

• Who qualifies: Full- and part-time Starbucks employees attending Arizona State University's online programs
• What it covers: 100% of tuition costs
• Deadline: Varies
• Other important information: Access to more than 100 degree programs

McDonald's

• Who qualifies: Hourly-paid workers and restaurant managers
• What it covers: Up to $2,500 for hourly workers and up to $5,250 for managers
• Deadline: Varies
• Other important information: Employees must work a minimum of 15 hours weekly and be employed for 90 cumulative days.

Become Team

Contributing Writer

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