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:
- Good balance of kitchen and classroom learning
You need classroom sessions to understand the chemistry of cooking and practical experience in a working kitchen. You'll also need to learn skills such as time management, self-discipline, and organization.
- Externships
Many of the best culinary arts programs have arrangements with local restaurants or other institutions that need cooks. Some even run their own restaurants where students experience the joys and challenges of running a busy kitchen.
- Career placement services
The best culinary programs offer their students access to robust career services. A good career office can help you formulate a strong resume and cover letters and point you toward potential employers who are a good match for your skills.
- Qualified instructors
Your instructors should be chefs with experience in a professional capacity. Look for certification by the AFC or the National Restaurant Association, along with an associate or bachelor's degree in the culinary arts.
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.
