College List in the United States
Universities in the United States
Trades in the United States
Notable Culinary Schools in the United States
Premier Culinary Institutes
These are widely recognized for their rigorous programs, notable alumni, and industry connections.
1. The Culinary Institute of America (CIA)
• Locations: Hyde Park, NY; St. Helena, CA; San Antonio, TX; Singapore (international campus)
• Programs: Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, Food Business Management; Master’s programs; certificate programs
• Highlights: Known as the “Harvard of culinary schools,” with state-of-the-art facilities, a strong alumni network (50,000+), and student-run restaurants. Specializations include Latin cuisine (San Antonio) and wine studies.
• Tuition: ~$36,620/year (Hyde Park)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
2. Institute of Culinary Education (ICE)
• Locations: New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA
• Programs: Diplomas in Culinary Arts, Pastry and Baking Arts, Health-Supportive Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management; online courses
• Highlights: Ranked #1 culinary school by Niche (2025). Offers flexible program lengths, strong industry connections, and a focus on culinary entrepreneurship. Over 19,000 alumni.
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSCT)
3. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
• Locations: Boulder, CO; Austin, TX; Online
• Programs: Diplomas and Associate degrees in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Plant-Based Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management; 100% online options with externships
• Highlights: Emphasizes farm-to-table and sustainable practices. Only accredited school offering fully online culinary degrees. Ranked #1 by Niche (2025).
• Tuition: ~$11,988 (estimated for some programs)
4. Le Cordon Bleu (U.S. Campuses)
• Locations: Previously 16 campuses (e.g., Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami); many closed by 2017, but some programs may still operate or partner with other institutions
• Programs: Diplomas and degrees in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, Hospitality Management
• Highlights: Known for French culinary techniques and prestige. Check current status, as closures have limited availability.
5. Johnson & Wales University
• Locations: Providence, RI; Charlotte, NC; Miami, FL; Denver, CO (some campuses may have scaled back)
• Programs: Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, Culinary Nutrition, Food Service Management
• Highlights: Combines hands-on kitchen training with business management. Strong internship programs and industry ties.
Other Notable Private Culinary Schools
These institutions offer specialized training and are often accredited by the ACF or regional bodies.
1. Culinary Institute Lenotre
• Location: Houston, TX
• Programs: Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, Hospitality Management
• Highlights: Low student-teacher ratio (12:1), hands-on focus with over 320 recipes taught, and international study tours.
• Tuition: ~$11,988
2. Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies
• Location: Louisville, KY
• Programs: Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, Hospitality Management
• Highlights: ACF-accredited, with state-of-the-art facilities and a student-operated bakery/café. Louisville’s culinary scene enhances networking.
3. Walnut Hill College
• Location: Philadelphia, PA
• Programs: Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Restaurant Management
• Highlights: Operates four public restaurants for hands-on training. Offers tuition-paid travel (e.g., France, England).
4. Kendall College of Culinary Arts
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Programs: Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, Culinary Entrepreneurship
• Highlights: Located in a culinary hub with a sustainable garden on campus. Strong networking with Chicago’s food industry.
5. The Art Institutes (Various Locations)
• Locations: Previously in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago; many campuses closed, but some programs may persist
• Programs: Diplomas and degrees in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, Hospitality Management
• Highlights: Focus on creativity and experimentation with state-of-the-art labs. Check current campus availability.
Community Colleges and Technical Schools
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