Requirements

The requirements for admission into a culinary school are different for each institution. A few programs will allow anyone to enroll, but the more prestigious programs might have more specific requirements. For instance, The Culinary Institute of America requires six months of hands-on food preparation and letters of recommendation.

Length

Culinary school can last anywhere from a few months to four years, depending on the program and the degree you are seeking. A simple certificate program can be completed in a few months, but to achieve a Bachelor of Professional Studies takes roughly four years.

Culinary Schools

According to Cooking Schools 101, the following are some of the top culinary schools in America: The Art Institute; The Culinary Institute of America; Johnson & Wales University, College of Culinary Arts; Le Cordon Bleu; and New England Culinary Institute.

Degrees

Diploma and certificate programs are typically offered by trade schools and community colleges. They usually specialize in one particular area and are a good entry level start in the food service industry; an associate's degree program is more in-depth and will cover kitchen management in addition to cooking skills. A bachelor's degree program covers the entire range of culinary arts as well as business management skills, and will lead to a higher entry point in the food service business. Master's degree programs require a bachelor's degree and usually specialize in a particular niche, such as baking or pastries.

Cost

Culinary school tuition can vary drastically depending on the program and school. A bachelor's degree from a top-rated school can cost upward of $100,000, including room and board, while a simple certificate program can cost a few thousand dollars.

Source:

Cooking Schools 101

Culinary Institute of America