Here is a curated list of the top culinary institutes in America, showcasing institutions renowned for their excellence in culinary education and training. We've carefully selected these schools based on their reputation, program offerings, and contributions to the culinary arts.
Top 10 Culinary Schools in America
| Rank | Institute | State |
| 1 | The Culinary Institute of America | New York |
| 2 | Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts | Colorado |
| 3 | Kendall College of Culinary Arts | Illinois |
| 4 | Institute of Culinary Education | New York |
| 5 | Sullivan University National Center | Kentucky |
| 6 | Johnson and Wales University | Rhode Island |
| 7 | International Culinary Center | New York |
| 8 | New England Culinary Institute | Vermont |
| 9 | Metropolitan Community College | Nebraska |
| 10 | Culinary Institute LeNotre | Texas |
A degree program in Culinary Arts would be an excellent choice whether you are motivated to start working in food and beverage industry or whether you simply desire to improve upon your basic cooking skills.
In order to thrive in an ever-changing field, it is critical that you select a relevant and modernised programme which is food-oriented yet also has some business consideration.
The Culinary Arts include fields of specialization like Pastry/Baking, Oenology etc. However, regardless of the area of specialization chosen, emphasis shall be put on acquiring basic kitchen skills, cream of classicals and kitchen theories. To add more, practical curricula usually come with a management background and/or internships at restaurants.
It means that you can find a program that suits your experience and goals because of the wide range of culinary schools and degree options available for you. Here are List of 10 best institute in culinary arts and hospitality management in America.
1. The Culinary Institute of America (CIA)
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is a prestigious institution dedicated to the art and science of cooking and baking. Founded in 1946, it built a reputation for excellence in culinary education. Here’s an overview of what makes the CIA a standout choice for aspiring chefs and culinary professionals.
| Acceptance Rate: | 97% |
| Famous Alumni: | Anthony Bourdain, Enrique Olvera |
| Tuition: |
$20,000–$60,000. Course wise fees structure - Click Here |
2. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts (AESCA), established in 1991, offers professional culinary arts programs based on the edicts of Auguste Escoffier, who introduced the traditional “brigade system” into kitchen hierarchy. Modern approach to food preparation that transformed eating habits were perfected by Auguste Escoffier – a basis that most restaurants serving fine cuisine still follow today.
The Daily Meal placed it among ten best culinary schools in America as reported in 2015 due to its world-class advanced programs in various fields including Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts and Online Courses. The headquarters are located within downtown Austin, Texas which is famous for its food culture while beautiful Boulder belongs to foothills of Rockies mountains.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts has been accredited by Council On Occupational Education (COE) while Texas Workforce Commission approves and regulates it.
| Acceptance Rate: | 100% |
| Famous Alumni: | Holden O'leary, Jane Dodson |
| Tuition: |
$18,094–$37,370. Course wise fees structure - Click Here |
3. Kendall College of Culinary Arts
Kendall College of Culinary Arts was established in 1934 as a private higher education institution and has now become one of the best places to study culinary arts worldwide.
It grants undergraduate degrees in fields such as culinary arts, business, early childhood education, and hospitality management among others. More than 70 institutions across 25 countries make up Kendall’s global network through which it provides extensive network opportunities including its programs rated first in the state by Chicago Michelin Restaurants.
There is a campus in Chicago Illinois—a city renowned for her culinary prowess—that practice onsite sustainable gardening to guarantee fresh produce supply to students. The degree programs comprised include: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts; Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry; Accelerated Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts; Bachelor of Arts degree with specialization in Culinary Arts; Bachelor in Business emphasizing Culinary Entrepreneurship and etc., beer and wine professionals have also such programs.
| Acceptance Rate: | 84% |
| Famous Alumni: | Greg Baxtrom, Jose garces |
| Tuition: |
$53,772–$89,667. Course wise fees structure - Click Here |
4. Institute of Culinary Education
Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) was established in 1975, and it is now one of the biggest culinary institutions across the globe. This school features high prestige courses, services centred around students’ needs, vast alumni association as well as externship and job placement prospects.
The featured programs are Culinary Arts, Pastry & Baking Arts program, Restaurant and Culinary Management, and Hospitality Management. ICE’s main principle is emphasizing crucial culinary techniques rather than relying on recipes. It has its main campus in New York City while it opened its second branch in Los Angeles in 2018 since there are expansions by ICE.
The Institute of Culinary Education has an approximate population of 650 undergraduates who study courses that are accredited by the Accrediting Commission Of Career Schools And Colleges (ACCSC).
| Acceptance Rate: | 100% |
| Famous Alumni: | David Chang, Amanda Cohen |
| Tuition: |
$16,000–$19,000. Course wise fees structure - Click Here |
5. Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies
Located in Louisville, Kentucky, just a 15-minute drive from downtown, NCHS (Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies) is a highly regarded institution that offers professional courses and undergraduate degrees in hospitality subjects. NCHS provides academic programs in various fields, including culinary arts and tourism studies, at both undergraduate and associate levels. These programs have been consistently ranked among the top 20 hospitality schools in the US by Full Service Restaurant Magazine.
The campus boasts eight modern facilities, such as cooking studios and pastry shops, as well as a stylish restaurant, allowing students to gain practical experience in cooking and baking. Moreover, the campus offers amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool with heaters, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a theater and playroom for students residing on campus.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Sullivan University National Center for Hospitality Studies has an undergraduate student population of approximately 650.
| Acceptance Rate: | 91% |
| Famous Alumni: | Ed Lee, Ouita Michel |
| Tuition: |
$31,680–$70,200. Course wise fees structure - Click Here |
6. Johnson and Wales University
Established in 1914, Johnson and Wales University is a prestigious, private, accredited, not-for-profit institution that is focused on its students. It is globally recognized as a leader in the culinary arts and beyond.
The university offers professional degree programs that integrate academics with work experience and promote environmental awareness and a global perspective. The main campus is located in Providence, RI, occupying an urban 126-acre area, and there are also campuses in Miami, Denver, and Charlotte.
Johnson and Wales is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. In 2018, it was ranked #64 in Regional Universities North and #65 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The university enrolls approximately 8,459 undergraduate students and has a student-faculty ratio of 21:1. Additionally, over 50% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
| Acceptance Rate: | 88% |
| Famous Alumni: | Emeril Lagasse, Graham Elliot |
| Tuition: |
$30,715-$41,782. Course wise fees structure - Click Here |
7. International Culinary Center
The International Culinary Center (ICC), established in 1984, is a private, co-educational institution that offers a wide range of programs in the culinary arts and related fields, such as food writing, event planning, nutrition, and marketing.
The school has campuses in New York and California, with the New York campus located in the Soho neighborhood and the California campus in Campbell, near Silicon Valley and less than an hour from San Francisco. The ICC is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
| Acceptance Rate: | 97% |
| Famous Alumni: | Christina Tos, Bobby Flay |
| Tuition: |
$14,803-$15,750. Course wise fees structure - Click Here |
8. New England Culinary Institute
The New England Culinary Institute (NECI), established in 1980, is a private, for-profit institution that is nationally recognized for its intimate environment, hands-on approach, and rigorous curriculum.
The institute offers personalized programs in Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts, and Food & Beverage Business Management, with externships providing excellent job placement opportunities.
Situated in Montpelier, Vermont's capital, the campus is known for its farm-to-table philosophy and the finest artisanal produce. NECI enrolls approximately 268 undergraduate students and maintains a student-faculty ratio of 16:1.
| Acceptance Rate: | 100% |
| Famous Alumni: | Alton Brown, Paul Hogan |
| Tuition: |
$52,500–$82,350. Course wise fees structure - Click Here |
9. Metropolitan Community College–Nebraska
Metropolitan Community College–Nebraska, founded in 1974, is a public vocational institution that prioritizes its students. It offers various programs, certificates, and associate's degrees in fields such as General Studies & Humanities, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Health Professions, and Engineering Technologies & Engineering-Related Fields.
The Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College includes programs in Culinary Arts & Management and Hospitality & Restaurant Leadership, which are highly regarded in the culinary industry. The college is located on an urban campus in Fort Omaha, NE, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and a Bioretention Shelter—a green roof that enhances the campus environment.
It also has a campus in Kansas, Missouri and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Metropolitan Community College–Nebraska has a total enrollment of approximately 19,234 undergraduate students.
| Acceptance Rate: | 100% |
| Famous Alumni: | Demetria Geralds, Marie Ouedraogo |
| Tuition: |
$3,195-$4,680. Course wise fees structure - Click Here |
10. Culinary Institute LeNotre
Culinary Institute LeNotre, located in Houston, Texas, is a distinguished culinary school that upholds a strong commitment to excellence in culinary arts and pastry. Established in 1998, the institute is well-known for its focus on French culinary traditions and is named after the renowned French pastry chef Sylvain LeNotre.
The institute's programs are highly regarded for their rigorous combination of classical techniques and modern practices, offering diploma and degree courses in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, and Restaurant Management. Students receive a comprehensive education with a hands-on approach, access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and opportunities for real-world experience through internships and practical training.
The emphasis on creativity, precision, and culinary innovation at Culinary Institute LeNotre prepares graduates for successful careers in various culinary fields, making it a prestigious choice for aspiring chefs and pastry professionals.
| Acceptance Rate: | 100% |
| Famous Alumni: | Nicolas Aléman, David Bull |
| Tuition: |
$17,279-$30,834 Course wise fees structure - Click Here |
Top 5 Culinary Institute In America State Wise
1. Culinary Institute In New York
| Rank | Institute |
| 1 | The Culinary Institute of America |
| 2 | Institute of Culinary Education |
| 3 | The Culinary Institute of New York Bronx |
| 4 | Kingsborough Community College Brooklyn |
| 5 | Westchester Community College |
2. Culinary Institute In Washington
| Rank | Institute |
| 1 | Seattle Culinary Academy at Seattle Central College |
| 2 | South Seattle College |
| 3 | The Art Institute of Seattle |
| 4 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology |
| 5 | Bates Technical College - Culinary Arts Program |
3. Culinary Institute In Texas
| Rank | Institute |
| 1 | Culinary Institute LeNotre |
| 2 | August Escoffier School of Culinary Arts |
| 3 | El Centro College - Culinary Arts Program |
| 4 | The Art Institute of Houston |
| 5 | Texas State Technical College |
4. Culinary Institute In California
| Rank | Institute |
| 1 | The Culinary Institute of America |
| 2 | Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts |
| 3 | Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) |
| 4 | San Diego Culinary Institute |
| 5 | Orange Coast College - Culinary Arts Program |