While many chefs begin their careers by gaining industry experience through accumulating line cook duties or other entry-level positions, some decide to take it a step further and enroll in culinary school. While it is possible to become a chef through informal training, an associate degree from a top-ranked culinary program can boost career prospects and help aspiring chefs gain valuable connections. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the nine best culinary schools to provide prospective students with the information they need to make their decision.
Culinary schools offer a variety of programs, from certificates to bachelor’s degrees and everything in between. When choosing a program, it’s important to consider the length of time the course will last, as well as how much tuition will cost. In addition, some culinary schools offer a variety of funding options to help potential students pay for their education.
Some culinary schools also have on-campus student-run restaurants, which provide students with the opportunity to showcase their skills in a real-world setting. Additionally, some culinary schools have expert faculty members, which can help students develop their cooking skills and expand their knowledge of various cuisines. These benefits, along with the overall quality of instruction, have helped these schools achieve a number of top rankings on our list.
One of the most popular ways for people to test out new recipes and learn how to cook is by reading cookbooks. However, not all cookbooks are created equal. In fact, some cookbooks are so good that they end up winning prestigious cooking awards. These awards are like the Oscars or Grammys for chefs, and they celebrate outstanding performances in the world of food. So, if you’re looking to cook better than your neighbor, it’s important to read cookbooks by the best culinary writers.
Cook’s Illustrated
Founded in 1978, Cook’s Illustrated was one of the first culinary magazines to inspire the modern foodie movement with its emphasis on worldwide regional cuisines and star chefs. In addition to providing readers with reliable recipes, the magazine strives to explain how and why ingredients work.
The Culinary Institute of America
The Culinary Institute of America is a world-class culinary school with a long list of famous alumni. This includes chefs, restaurateurs, and authors who have authored numerous bestselling cookbooks. Besides offering students a high-quality education, the school has state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and on-campus student-run restaurants that give graduates real-world experience in the restaurant business.
Despite its reputation as a top culinary school, it’s not free to attend. Students who choose this school can expect to spend between $40,000 and $100,000 over the course of four years. While this may be expensive, it’s worth the investment if you’re serious about becoming a chef.