A Culinary Arts Associate Degree offers a fast and comprehensive entry into the foodservice and hospitality field. Programs include hands-on learning, industry externships, and a focus on both technique and professionalism. With high certification and job placement rates, it is a strong option for those pursuing a culinary career.
AA Degree in Culinary Arts: What to Expect
An Associate Degree in Culinary Arts (AA or AAS) prepares students for entry-level and supervisory roles in professional kitchens, food service operations, and the broader hospitality industry. These programs blend hands-on kitchen training with culinary theory and general education courses. Most programs can be completed in 16 to 24 months, including an externship or internship.
What You Study
Culinary arts associate programs teach core cooking techniques, international cuisines, pastry and baking, nutrition, food safety, and culinary management. Students learn to work with various ingredients and equipment through courses such as:
- Culinary Fundamentals
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Garde Manger
- International and Classical Cuisines
- Menu Planning and Cost Controls
- Food Safety and Sanitation (ServSafe)
- Dining Room and Beverage Service
- Externship or Practicum Experience
Some programs, like the Institute of Culinary Education’s AOS Degree, include restaurant management, food business finance, marketing, and applied general education courses.
Typical Program Length and Format
Associate degree programs are commonly completed in 14 to 24 months depending on full-time or part-time status. Many institutions offer hybrid or flexible options:
- On-campus hands-on labs and simulations
- Online or hybrid general education and management courses
- Externships or internships at approved food service establishments
Examples:
- Keiser University – 72-credit A.S. in Culinary Arts
- Miami Dade College – 60-credit Culinary Arts Management A.S.
- Wake Tech – 72-credit AAS in Culinary Arts
Cost of Culinary Associate Programs
Tuition and fees vary widely:
- Community Colleges: $5,000 to $8,000 (e.g., Wake Tech)
- Private Culinary Schools: $20,000 to $30,000+ (e.g., ICE, CIA)
- Additional costs: Tools, uniforms, books, and lab fees ($1,000–$4,000)
Some schools offer scholarships tied to SkillsUSA, ProStart, or culinary competitions.
Admissions Requirements
Most culinary arts associate programs require:
- High school diploma or GED
- Placement exams (math, reading)
- Physical ability to handle kitchen demands
- No prior culinary experience required
Some schools may require or recommend interviews or orientation sessions.
Outcomes: Graduation, Certification, and Job Placement
Culinary programs report strong outcomes:
- Graduation rates average above 50%
- Certification rates (e.g., ACF Certified Culinarian) exceed 90–100%
- Job placement rates range from 90% to 100% within 6–9 months of graduation
Graduates are prepared for roles such as:
- Line cook
- Sous chef
- Pastry assistant
- Foodservice supervisor
- Catering assistant
Career Outlook and Salaries
Entry-level culinary graduates earn between $30,000–$45,000 annually. With experience, roles such as sous chef and executive chef offer salaries of $50,000–$90,000+ depending on location and establishment type.
Top Schools
If you’re passionate about food and ready to turn your culinary dreams into a professional reality, choosing the right culinary school is your first key step. Across the country, associate degree programs in culinary arts provide intensive, hands-on training designed to launch students into rewarding careers in kitchens, restaurants, and foodservice operations.
Whether you’re looking for affordability, accelerated learning, or specialized instruction in global cuisines or sustainable practices, there’s a program that fits your goals. The following schools represent a diverse mix of public and private institutions—each offering unique strengths in culinary education, business training, and real-world experience that can help you break into the fast-paced, flavorful world of culinary arts.
| School | Location | Program Length | Estimated Tuition | Program Highlights | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy-King College (City Colleges of Chicago) | Chicago, IL | 4 semesters (approx. 2 years) | $9,600 in-district | Stackable certificates, hands-on cooking, sanitation certifications | Local and state sanitation certificates; career support via Career Services Office |
| Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) | Los Angeles, CA (with online general ed) | 14–16 months | Starting at $26,000 | Culinary & restaurant management, business plan creation, externship | Strong industry network and hybrid format with career support |
| Wake Technical Community College | Raleigh, NC | 2 years | $5,472 | American Culinary Federation certification, flexible scheduling | One of the most affordable programs; hybrid and evening class options |
| Keiser University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 2 years | $20,000+ (varies by location) | ACF accredited, externship, soft skills development | Recognized by World Assoc. of Chefs Societies; critical thinking emphasis |
| Culinary Institute of America (CIA) | Hyde Park, NY | 2 years | $36,000–$40,000+ | Immersive hands-on learning, internship, public restaurants | Elite reputation, multiple campuses, 2,000+ industry partners |
| Johnson & Wales University | Providence, RI | 2 years (61 credits) | $35,000 | Internships, bachelor’s degree pathways, world cuisines | Options to continue into Culinary Nutrition or Food Entrepreneurship |
| Kendall College at National Louis University | Chicago, IL | 2 years | $25,000–$30,000 | Fine-dining lab experience, business integration, ACF-accredited | 92% job placement rate within 6 months; internship required |
| Seattle Central College | Seattle, WA | 5 quarters (just over 1 year) | $8,823–$19,000 | Sustainable food focus, student-run restaurants, modern culinary methods | Sustainability-focused curriculum and affordable for residents |
| Monroe University (CINY) | Bronx, NY | 1.5 years | $18,000–$20,000 | Accredited by ACF, entrepreneurship training, industry internships | Award-winning chef faculty and strong scholarship support |
| Dallas College | Dallas, TX | 2 years | $4,000–$6,000 (in-district) | Real-world kitchen training, layered credential options | One of the most affordable; public meal prep experience and multiple entry points |
City Colleges of Chicago – Kennedy-King College
https://catalog.ccc.edu/academic-program-requirements/culinary-arts-aas/
Chicago, IL
Comprehensive Culinary Training with Progressive Certification
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Culinary Arts at Kennedy-King College is a four-semester, sequential program designed to prepare students for a variety of roles in the culinary industry. Students develop core cooking competencies through hands-on experience in a commercial kitchen environment, along with instruction in classical and ethnic cuisine. The curriculum emphasizes both technical culinary skills and professional development, including resume writing and interviewing. It also integrates business-focused content such as management, cost control, merchandising, budgeting, and planning. Graduates earn the ServSafe® Sanitation Certification and qualify for sanitation certificates from the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. As students progress, they earn stackable credentials—a Basic Certificate, an Advanced Certificate, and the full AAS degree.
Flexible Pathway with Career-Ready Outcomes
The Basic Certificate introduces foundational cooking techniques, safety and sanitation, and kitchen operations, making it ideal for those exploring culinary careers. The Advanced Certificate dives deeper into advanced cooking methods and extensive practice with global menus. The full AAS program incorporates general education requirements and prepares students for roles such as chefs, line cooks, food service managers, and catering professionals. The program offers a direct pathway to employment in the foodservice industry, with support from the Career Services Office to explore career options, industry salaries, and educational needs.
Institute of Culinary Education (ICE)
https://www.ice.edu/campus-programs/culinary-arts-associate-degree
New York, NY
Hybrid Culinary Degree in Just Over a Year
The Culinary Arts & Management Associate Degree at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) is a fast-paced, hybrid program that can be completed in 14 to 16 months. Offered at the Los Angeles campus with online general education components, the 62-credit AOS degree combines culinary arts, restaurant management, and applied general education. Students learn essential cooking skills, including roasting, braising, sauce preparation, and modern techniques like sous vide and fermentation. The curriculum also includes instruction in international cuisines and service simulations, all led by experienced chef-instructors. Students gain real-world experience through an industry externship and receive comprehensive career support from ICE’s strong industry network.
Business-Focused Culinary Education with Career Support
Beyond kitchen skills, the program emphasizes hospitality and business training—students learn to develop profitable restaurant concepts, write business plans, and manage staff and operations effectively. General education courses cover communication, leadership, food history, nutrition, and culinary writing. Tuition for the associate degree program starts at $26,000 and includes uniforms, books, tools, ingredients, enrichment classes, and access to guest lectures and campus events. ICE’s immersive training and hybrid flexibility make it a strong choice for aspiring chefs and food entrepreneurs seeking a fast and comprehensive path into the culinary world.
Wake Technical Community College
Comprehensive Culinary Foundation for Professional Growth
Wake Tech’s Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts (A55150) is a 72-credit program designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in diverse foodservice environments including restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice in areas such as sanitation, food and beverage service, baking, international cuisine, and hospitality supervision. Offered on-campus or in a hybrid format with flexible day or evening classes, the program emphasizes professionalism and culinary competency.
Affordable, Accessible, and Career-Focused
With an estimated tuition and fees of $5,472 and eligibility for financial aid, Wake Tech offers an affordable path to a culinary career. Students gain essential kitchen experience and have the opportunity to earn American Culinary Federation certification. Upon graduation, learners are equipped for positions like line cook, station chef, or assistant pastry chef, with advancement potential to sous-chef or executive chef roles.
Keiser University
https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/culinary-arts-as/
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Accredited Culinary Training with Global Recognition
Keiser University’s Associate of Science in Culinary Arts delivers a well-rounded curriculum combining academic instruction, laboratory sessions, and practical hands-on experience. Accredited by the American Culinary Federation and recognized by the World Association of Chefs Societies, the program trains students in food preparation from basic to advanced levels and includes an externship for real-world experience.
Career-Ready Skills with Industry Standards
Students are trained in areas such as safe food handling, menu planning, critical thinking, and food presentation techniques. The program emphasizes both technical and soft skills essential for entry-level roles in the foodservice industry. With a focus on professionalism and adherence to industry codes, graduates are well-prepared to pursue culinary careers or further education.
Culinary Institute of America (CIA)
https://www.ciachef.edu/cia-culinary-arts-associate-degree-program/
Hyde Park, NY
Elite Culinary Education with Hands-On Learning
The CIA’s Associate Degree in Culinary Arts is an immersive program offering 66–69 credits depending on campus, designed to be completed in less than two years. Students develop culinary fundamentals, explore global cuisines, and gain operational skills through hands-on work in CIA’s award-winning public restaurants. A required internship with one of over 2,000 food industry partners adds valuable real-world experience.
Extensive Industry Access and Career Preparation
With start dates throughout the year and campuses in New York, California, and Texas, CIA offers unmatched flexibility and access. Students receive training from expert faculty and benefit from a robust network of top food industry employers. Graduates leave prepared to manage or launch culinary enterprises and are frequently recruited by leading restaurants and hospitality organizations.
Johnson & Wales University
https://catalog.jwu.edu/programsofstudy/food-innovation-technology/culinary-arts-as/charlotte/
Providence, RI
Skill-Driven Curriculum for Diverse Culinary Careers
Johnson & Wales University’s Culinary Arts A.A.S. degree offers a 61-credit program focused on culinary technique, world cuisine, food safety, and cost control. Students participate in both kitchen and dining room laboratories, gaining a full-service view of culinary operations. The curriculum integrates general education to support critical thinking and communication in professional settings.
Internship and Pathways for Continued Study
Students culminate their training with an internship at a foodservice venue, which may be local, national, or international. Upon graduation, students may enter the industry or transition into a related bachelor’s degree program in fields like Culinary Nutrition or Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship. The program equips graduates with the technical and interpersonal skills necessary for advancement in the foodservice sector.
Kendall College at National Louis University
https://nl.edu/kendall-college/programs/culinary-arts/aas-in-culinary-arts/
Chicago, IL
Top-Ranked Culinary Education in Chicago
Kendall College offers a two-year A.A.S. in Culinary Arts that blends culinary technique with business and restaurant management training. Students start with fundamentals and progress to advanced techniques, gaining experience in Kendall’s fine-dining restaurant, The Dining Room. An accelerated option is available for those with a prior bachelor’s degree.
Internship and Real-World Learning
The program includes a 300-hour internship at a local restaurant, enhancing students’ readiness for the job market. With 72% of coursework in culinary arts and 28% in general education, graduates are well-rounded and highly employable. Kendall’s program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation and boasts a 92% job placement rate within six months of graduation.
Seattle Central College
https://culinary.seattlecentral.edu/programs/culinary-arts/culinary-arts-aas
Seattle, WA
Sustainability-Focused Culinary Training
Seattle Central College offers a 90-credit AAS in Culinary Arts with a strong focus on both classic techniques and sustainable food practices. Students receive hands-on training in menu planning and meal preparation in the school’s student-run restaurants. The program is designed to be completed full-time in five quarters.
Affordable and In-Depth Culinary Education
Estimated total tuition ranges from $8,823 to over $19,000 depending on residency, with additional fees for materials and equipment. Students are trained for careers in professional kitchens, event planning, and restaurant ownership. Emphasis is placed on food safety, modern culinary methods, and developing a sustainable approach to food service.
Monroe University
Elite Culinary Training in a Real-World Environment
Monroe University’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Culinary Arts offers a comprehensive and fast-paced training program at the renowned Culinary Institute of New York (CINY). Fully accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF), this on-campus program can be completed in under 1.5 years and includes 60 credits—half in culinary-focused courses and half in general education. Students gain hands-on experience in professionally equipped kitchens while learning essential techniques in cooking, baking, garde manger, nutrition, sanitation, and international cuisine. The curriculum also includes entrepreneurship and business management concepts, preparing students to succeed in diverse culinary careers.
Award-Winning Faculty, Financial Support, and Career Preparation
Located just minutes from one of the world’s culinary capitals, CINY provides a uniquely immersive learning experience. Students are guided by award-winning, ACF-certified chef-instructors and benefit from small class sizes and career-focused training. Monroe offers a wide array of scholarship opportunities including those for SkillsUSA, C-CAP, and ProStart participants. Graduates are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians, and many go on to successful careers in restaurants, catering companies, hotels, and food service management, equipped with both skill and industry-recognized credentials.
Dallas College
https://www.dallascollege.edu/cd/gps/pages/gpsmap.aspx?gpsId=540
Dallas, TX
Affordable Culinary Arts Training with Broad Career Focus
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Culinary Arts at Dallas College is a robust program that prepares students for entry-level to supervisory roles in the food and hospitality industry. Offered across eight campuses, the curriculum combines core culinary skills with essential business training in nutrition, menu planning, kitchen design, guest service, and cost control. The program includes both classroom instruction and extensive hands-on training through real-world meal preparation experiences. It also offers multiple entry and exit points with certificate pathways in Culinary Arts Foundations and Culinary Arts Specialist.
Hands-On Experience and Career Mobility at Low Cost
Dallas College emphasizes practical training and affordability, making it a highly accessible option for aspiring culinary professionals. Students gain experience preparing three-course meals for public service, ensuring real-world readiness upon graduation. The program’s layered credential structure allows flexibility and career advancement as students earn certificates en route to the full A.A.S. degree. With an industry-aligned curriculum, strong faculty mentorship, and extensive facilities, graduates are prepared to enter the workforce confidently or pursue further culinary education.
How Long to Pay Off the Degree?
Choosing the right culinary school is an exciting step toward a career in the foodservice industry—but it’s also a financial investment. On average, tuition for an associate degree in culinary arts ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. For this estimate, let’s use $18,000 as the average tuition cost. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average starting salary for culinary graduates (such as line cooks or entry-level chefs) is approximately $35,000 per year.
Here’s a breakdown of how long it would take to pay off an $18,000 student loan if you dedicated different percentages of your annual salary toward repayment:
| % of Annual Salary Toward Loan | Annual Payment | Estimated Time to Pay Off $18,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 5% ($1,750/year) | $1,750 | 10.3 years |
| 10% ($3,500/year) | $3,500 | 5.1 years |
| 15% ($5,250/year) | $5,250 | 3.4 years |
| 20% ($7,000/year) | $7,000 | 2.6 years |
These estimates assume no interest, which is unlikely in real-world loan scenarios. Factoring in interest, you might expect slightly longer repayment periods unless you pay more than the minimum. However, many students qualify for scholarships, grants, or employer tuition reimbursement, which can significantly reduce loan debt. No matter which school you choose, staying on top of your finances—and leveraging resources like financial aid offices and budgeting tools—will help ensure your culinary career starts off on the right foot.