2023 Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America

• Baton Rouge, LA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  32 reviews

Junior: Louisiana Culinary Institute is an amazing 16 month Associate Degree program for anyone interested in the culinary arts field. They are very hands on, and teach you the basic fundamentals you need to be successful in the culinary industry.... Read 32 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $24,307

• SAT range —

• Houston, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.51 out of 5  334 reviews

Freshman: Well in my, first week of attending the institute of LeNotre I was completely out of orbit. Overall it was a difficult challenge. As the school progressed everything started to tight in its place. The lessons where getting easier but still remained as a challenge. You would learn something new every day. You can see that the chef professors take this seriously and do indeed want every student to pass. Today I’m started my second month. That’s as far as I can see that academics go. Regarding social life in school; making friends is not as hard as I thought it would be. Since majority of the students thrive to achieve similar goals it is not hard to sympathize with them. A made a few already and we try our best to encourage one another!... Read 334 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $23,081

• SAT range —

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  99 reviews

Alum: This college features an outstanding restaurant and pastry shop for the public to dine on exquisite food and pastries. Walnut Hill offers four majors: Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management. Professors, Chef Instructors, and Staff are energetic, hospitable, and enthused to teach. Courses in Culinary and Pastry Arts are taught by “seasoned” professionals varying from Classic Culinary Techniques, Sausage Making, and International Cuisine to Pastry Production, Sugar Sculpting, and Extravagant Wedding Cake Decorating. Courses in Hotel and Restaurant Management has been perfected, taught by former managers and industry professionals, teaching the ways of running your own business, global wines and dining room etiquette. You will not be disappointed with what Walnut Hill has to offer! Each student upon the end of completing their degrees will venture to France, England and the Bahamas, which includes one in a lifetime chances and memories beyond belief.... Read 99 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $30,902

• SAT range —

• Boulder, CO•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.62 out of 5  87 reviews

Freshman: There’s not enough room to tell everything I love about Escoffier. If you want to learn from the best, this is the place. The staff from admissions to the Chefs are so wonderful. They really do want you to succeed. It’s not uncommon for me to be chatting with my instructor at 2am for help with my assignments. Best decision I could’ve ever made FOR ME. I’m learning SO MUCH! I’m gonna be as good or better than any chef on TV!... Read 87 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,194

• SAT range —

• Alexandria, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  217 reviews

Senior: I am still attending but will be done March 2021. However, Stratford is a great school to attend. I actually work as am work study student . I attend and work at the Stratford University ( Alexandria Campus). Professors are very respectful and are here to help... Read 217 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $23,243

• SAT range —

• Charlotte, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  655 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Johnson & Wales University has been incredibly positive. The professors are engaging, they really enjoy their jobs and you can tell that they genuinely care about their students and their success in the classes they teach. Many of the staff have successful careers in their respective fields beyond their position at JWU, so they're able to offer lots of guidance to their students about getting started in their professional careers. Johnson & Wales is a great place to go to school, my only regret is that I didn't transfer here sooner!... Read 655 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $27,462

• SAT range —

• Bronx, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  810 reviews

Senior: My overall experience at Monroe was great. They have supported me in every aspect, from mentally to academically! The staff is amazing at engaging with the students, giving positive feedback, and explaining the assignment clearly.... Read 810 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 39%

• Net price $12,054

• SAT range —

• Hyde Park, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  1,084 reviews

Senior: There is a reason that the CIA is one of the best culinary schools in America. One of those reasons are because of how much experience you get from the qualified teachers who work there. There are many kitchen classes that teach you a variety of techniques. As a baking and pastry student, I get the opportunities to learn about breads, cakes, pastries, and confections (like chocolates and jellies) in relatively detailed classes, even though most kitchen classes are only 3 weeks to learn everything. Then I get to work in restaurant classes that use to serve the public (pre-pandemic times), but now still serve students. It's a tough school with a difficult program, but if you're willing to work hard it is worth the effort. There are many opportunities to find work during/after school, and I already have offers of places to work after school. Definitely worth it!... Read 1,084 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $30,521

• SAT range —

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,837 reviews

Senior: I love how inclusive the university is, whether it’s in the classroom or on campus in general. The professors are experienced and passionate about what they teach with helps me stay engaged and interested. You have the opportunity to take classes outside of your major too. I’m baking and pastry but I’ve taken a couple of film classes and a music class which were both very fun. The campus is in the heart of the city so it’s always fun to walk around and one can even walk to the mall. I’ve gone to an outdoor skating rink too which was right down the road. The reason why it’s 4 stars and not 5 is because for a culinary school, the dining isn’t very good. However they make up for it with all the activities they have like a build a bear event, outdoor movie, and they had a ratatouille event where you get to watch the movie while eating the food from the film, prepared by JWU culinary students. I am a proud JWU wildcat!... Read 2,837 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $30,715

• SAT range —

• Appleton, WI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  330 reviews

Freshman: I am currently taking the EMS program along with a forensic science class through FVTC, and I enjoy it very much! While my classes are at the Public Safety Training Center, I am frequently on the main Appleton campus, and it is an amazing place. The culture and friendliness from the staff and students is welcoming and they will go out of their way to help you. The food on campus is pretty nice as well. They do something neat at the main campus for lunches, where the culinary students prepare meals for the students. As for the public safety building, it's also very nice and honestly, I feel everyone there is even nicer because you all have a common theme in your degree programs. The instructors are amazing, very funny and helpful, and have great teaching styles. The town behind the building also helps you to experience real life situations without being in the real world. Overall, FVTC is a great choice for college, and it is really nice and clean and a great environment for college.... Read 330 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,836

• SAT range —

• Paul Smiths, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  236 reviews

Freshman: Paul Smith's College is tucked away in the Adirondack state park of upstate New York. The faculty who work here are passionate about their teaching and truly want their students to succeed. The small school atmosphere make everyone feel like family and truly benefits your academic career. While the food is not the best, I feel that can be overlooked simply because of the quality of education which is received, especially in the field of Forestry.... Read 236 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $25,632

• SAT range 880-1060

• Indiana, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  2,695 reviews

Senior: I am a current international student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). My campus is a very diverse campus open to everyone in the community. I came a here alone with no one but IUP gave me home like no other. At first, I experienced immerse culture shock but with the help of the students and faculty members, I was able to overcome that experience. I just love this campus. Everything is made available to students, from the food to campus facilities, housing, health and also, jobs on campus. We have a lot of programs offered at all educational levels ranging from undergraduate programs to doctorate programs. I am so proud of being a member of this welcoming community with core values in diversity and inclusion. Life as an international student has been exciting and wonderful. I’ll always never forget my experience her at IUP. Growth, experience and professionalism is what made who I am today thanks to IUP. Go hawks!... Read 2,695 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $21,153

• SAT range 940-1140

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  3,100 reviews

Freshman: I am a freshman at Drexel this year. I am studying engineering and am satisfied with the services Drexel offers in support of it's students. Specifically, there are rapid study sessions, support dogs, and different destressing activities they provide for us to do. During exams, the aforementioned services are amplified to truly help everyone. Outside of academics, the campus is located in Philadelphia so there is always something interesting going on. Whether you are interested in sports, arts, history, or any other field, there is something for you to do!... Read 3,100 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $26,076

• SAT range 1210-1410

• Coos Bay, OR•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  286 reviews

Niche User: I've been taking online courses through SWOCC for the last couple of years. I greatly enjoy the courses that I've taken, our professors always keep things interesting. One thing that I'd like to see change, at least for online courses, is the amount of interaction that some of the professors have with the class. There are a couple of classes that I've taken where the professors will have minimal interaction with the students--for example, one of my professors didn't respond to emails and didn't grade most of our work.... Read 286 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,295

• SAT range —

• Fort Collins, CO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  4,189 reviews

Senior: Overall, I have greatly enjoyed my time at Colorado State! There is an incredible community of supportive people and excellent opportunities, especially within the Warner College of Natural Resources. I have grown so much as a person here, and experienced so many great opportunities, although you definitely get out what you put in. There is such a wide array of groups to become involved in, and there are so many interesting and niche classes you have the opportunity to take. The vast majority of my professors have been passionate, knowledgeable, and understanding. I have yet to meet someone who doesn't absolutely feel satisfied in their choice to attend CSU. Additionally, the Ft. Collins area is very welcoming to students, and you will never be bored between the great nightlife and beautiful options for outdoor activities.... Read 4,189 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $18,320

• SAT range 1080-1290

• Thibodaux, LA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  643 reviews

Alum: When I first started my studies at Nicholls State University, I was without a single clue as to what direction I should take for my life. The faculty, professors, and students all were extremely accommodating in helping me find the path that I wished to take. As I continued to understand myself and the college life better, the support from Nicholls State University never diminished. Nicholls State University was always their to help me advance in my career. Whether it was through the incredible knowledge from the faculty, the resources afforded to students in research, or events to help students relax and rest from the stress of college life, Nicholls always provides.... Read 643 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $12,907

• SAT range 1020-1170

• La Crosse, WI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  225 reviews

Freshman: I study both Graphic Design and Digital Media Production at Western Tech, and I am having a good time so far. The classes are very comprehensive, and focus on developing your technical practices, skills, and career readiness. There is plenty of support options for anybody struggling in just about any way. They have tutors, learning commons, food resources, clothing resources, counseling, disability resources, etc. Western Technical College really cares about its students. Perhaps my favorite thing about this school is that, with it being a technical college, all of the professors are required to have practiced, or currently be practicing in, the field of which they teach, and they have to take steps to keep up with the fields too, so that they are always teaching the most relevant information with first hand experience of what knowledge and skills are needed in the field. Western also has connections with local and regional companies that can help you get a start after graduating.... Read 225 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,217

• SAT range —

• Berlin, NH•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  66 reviews

Junior: I thus far have really enjoyed attending this college! It has an excellent massage therpay program that is not only cheap but also teaches you everything you need to know! The educators are extremely passionate about what they are teaching! Overall great school!... Read 66 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $14,583

• SAT range —

• Fond Du Lac, WI•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  180 reviews

Freshman: I love it, it is an amazing college and they are the best at answering any questions you have or anything you need help with. It is amazing with the online experience and classes it's so easy to access your student account and makes it a lot easier when your busy with home life work and school of course. In my opinion that college is the best by far there may be others that think differently but in my case it's in my town right by my house and it's a good source of information about what the college entails they have so many programs and give really good advice and helpful information I think it could be something to look into and they have tons of study programs and a bunch of stuff and resources to help you get started and help with anything financial if you need financial assistance or anything of the sort they have an online book store of to get any other materials that you need but it's only through your student account. They also have a gift store in the building and okay... Read 180 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,373

• SAT range —

• Austin, TX•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.41 out of 5  17 reviews

Freshman: One of the best culinary schools out there! You can do everything online whole getting all the knowledge you need to be in the culinary industry.... Read 17 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $16,919

• SAT range —

• Tuscaloosa, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  4,677 reviews

Freshman: Known for its excellence in teaching and research, the University of Alabama was on the list of Best Employers for New Graduates 2022. Read on to find out the top 5 reasons for applying to this university! University of Alabama, Birmingham Founded in 1831, the University of Alabama is a student-centered research institute spread across a 1200-acre campus in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It is known as the center of excellence across many academic, research, and service areas and is the oldest and largest public university in the state. There are tons of reasons why students should consider studying at this university — from small class sizes and incredible campus facilities to award-winning faculty and high-paying job opportunities. Here are our top 5. magical campus The University of Alabama offers a complete educational, cultural, and social experience to its students. magical campus The University of Alabama offers a complete educational, cultural, and social experience to its... Read 4,677 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $21,263

• SAT range 1070-1370

• Americus, GA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  49 reviews

Junior: My experience at South Georgia Technical College was absolutely astonishing, the instructors were so kind and very helpful. What I like most about the college is the MOWR (Move on When Ready Program) that is offered, it is a great way for students to receive there college and high school credits while still attending high school. A change that I would like to see at South Georgia Technical College is an increase and improvement in having more physical activities, and an increase in more organizations and different social developments that will help kids get out of their comfort zone and get more involved in social/physical activities and not feel like an outsider.... Read 49 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $2,054

• SAT range —

• Laconia, NH•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  172 reviews

Freshman: I have not started my journey through college yet, but the process so far has been pretty easy going. The website is easy to weave through, and the woman I have been going back and fourth with via email is quick to respond and able to explain any questions I may come across. I was accepted in prompt timing, and now finding ways to afford my degree as well as create a budget plan and form my college course schedule.... Read 172 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,027

• SAT range —

• Pinehurst, NC•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  239 reviews

Sophomore: Sandhills Community College is a great way to take college-level classes at an affordable price. They offer a multitude of different classes and degrees. It is a great place for people who are just beginning their college education or for people who are coming back to finish their college education. All of the staff and counselors are helpful at every step of the way. They make it clear and adamant that you can use any resources available at the college. The student body is very welcoming and everyone is friendly, whether you're a new student or a returning student. Overall, it is a great place for anyone to pursue their college education!... Read 239 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $13,418

• SAT range —

• Fort Lauderdale, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  1,183 reviews

Freshman: I don’t think there is anything I would change. Keiser University is a very attentive school that really cares for each student. They make sure your attending classes and also take away the hassle of getting ready for the next semester. Some of the counselors will call and check on students just to catch up and see how they’re doing. I don’t know any university that shows that kind of compassion towards students. Most believe you pay, you get your education, you leave, but Keiser University is gonna make sure you see a degree!... Read 1,183 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $31,984

• SAT range —