Culinary School FAQs

Today, with more than 700 schools in the United States offering culinary courses, deciding which program is right for you can be difficult. C-CAP has helped hundreds of students reach their goal of higher education, and we know the following FAQs can help you decide what route and program is best for you.

Should I go to culinary school or begin working right after high school?

Deciding whether to go to culinary school or to work really depends on the individual. Your choices are: to work full-time, go to school full-time, or do some combination of the two.

By working right after high school, you will earn money and begin building your career right away, without the considerable expense of culinary school. However, there are some drawbacks to this approach. Finding a job at a good restaurant or hotel may be difficult, as chefs are increasingly accustomed to hiring staff with the skills and breadth of knowledge learned in culinary school. You will most likely start out with a lower position than a culinary school graduate and will have a longer and harder time moving up through the ranks since each promotion means more training the restaurant will have to provide you. Remember that on the job, a kitchen is about production, not teaching. Another consideration is that you will learn only the type of cuisine associated with your position.

Culinary school exposes you to techniques, ingredients and theories of many cuisines, as well as offering you a wide variety of opportunities to experiment and indulge your creativity. But just going to culinary school does not guarantee a great career. Whatever you do, don't go through 2-4 years of school without working. Those who have done this are usually unprepared for the demands of the kitchen and are likely to leave the industry. It is best if you can do both. Many schools have schedules that allow for full or part-time work. If you cannot work while going to school, be sure you work during summers and holiday breaks. You can also look into apprenticeship programs that combine work and school. Your local American Culinary Federation (ACF) chapter (www.acfchefs.org) can provide you with apprenticeship information.

What kind of program is best for me?

Certificate programs are generally shorter than degree programs and will prepare you for the job market quickly. Associate’s degree programs take 2 years of study, Bachelor’s degree programs take 4 years, and Master’s degree programs can take up to 6 years.

If you want a less academically rigorous program, get your hands-on skills as fast as possible with a certificate program and start working. If you and/or your parents feel a degree is important but you want to get into the industry soon, consider an Associate’s Degree. If you like to study and think you want to go into management, go for a Bachelor’s Degree. If you want to teach at most high schools and or accredited colleges, you'll need a Master’s Degree. Some people looking to eventually own and operate their own restaurants pursue a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

What should I look for in a culinary school?

We put together a list of the most important questions to keep in mind when considering culinary schools. If you can ask these questions of each of the schools you are considering, you will be well prepared when it comes time to make a decision. Remember there are no right or wrong answers since each school is unique and tailored to a specific type of student.

• How do the courses at one school compare with the other school(s) I am considering?
• Does the school focus on hands-on training or academic classes?
• What is the student/faculty ratio?
• What is the average age of the student body?
• As part of my education, does the school provide an externship?
• Is the school in an area where I can easily find part-time kitchen work?
• What types of jobs do graduates get?
• What is the job placement rate for graduates?
• Can the school give me the name and phone number of a recent graduate or current student to interview?
• Is the school far from home?
• Can I manage the travel expenses including vacations?
• Will I like the local climate?
• How do the housing costs and other expenses at the school compare with the other school(s) I am considering?

How much will culinary school cost?

Costs can vary widely, from several thousand dollars at a local community college to over $40,000 per year at a private university. Contact the schools you are interested in or go to www.shawguides.com to compare costs. When calculating costs, don’t forget to include lab fees, books, equipment/uniforms, room, board, and travel expenses.

Can I get financial aid or scholarships?
You may qualify for grants, loans, or scholarships.

Scholarships are usually awarded based on merit: your grades, performance in a competition, etc. To find out more about scholarships, contact each school you are considering to find out what's available.

Financial aid is awarded based on proven financial need and can come in the form of grants, work-study, or low-interest loans.

• Grants – gifts which do not have to be repaid.
• Work-study – money in exchange for working at an assigned on- or off-campus job.
• Student loans – special low interest loans you repay once you are no longer a full time student.

The federal government awards millions of dollars in financial aid every year. Go to www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/Students/student.html to find out more.

Be sure to contact the financial aid department at the schools you are considering as they may have financial aid to offer you. Your high school guidance counselor may also be able to offer advice.

Remember, at some schools, the financial aid you receive may be deducted from the scholarship funds you receive. Make sure you know exactly what your financial responsibility is.

How much financial aid can I receive?

Financial Aid is based on an individual's financial need. Following are the maximum amounts for Federal Financial Aid per academic year: Pell Grants $4,310; Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants $4,000; Perkins Loans $4,000. Some schools also have maximum award amounts. Check with the financial aid office of each school you are considering.

I’ll have to take out a lot of loans in order to pay for school, what do you advise?

An education is an investment in your future and may be worth taking out some loans, but keep in mind that you’ll have to start paying them back soon after you graduate. According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average starting salary in the foodservice industry is between $5.25 and $7.25 per hour. Try estimating what your expenses will be once you are out of school (rent, transportation, food, phone, utilities, etc.) to see if you can afford to repay your loan while earning between $650 and $850 per month after taxes. If you cannot afford it, rethink your financial plan or even your school choice. It would be unwise to spend so much time and money educating yourself if you can’t afford to work in the industry.

Remember that there are many excellent culinary and hospitality programs at community colleges. If you are eligible for Federal Financial Aid, your education at a community college may be practically free.