Best 14 Culinary Schools in California
Looking for a great culinary school in sunny California? You are in luck! There are lots of incredible culinary programs up and down the California coastline. We can help you find the perfect school for you in the perfect location.
California is a world renowned food hub. There are miles upon miles of farms which grow food our country depends on. There are five star restaurants in San Francisco and Los Angeles. There are even hundreds of vineyards that produce gold medal winning wines. No matter which aspect of the hospitality industry you’d like to specialize in, you can definitely get your start in California!
Each California culinary school on our list is unique. Some offer full bachelors degrees while others are short certificate programs. No matter which you choose, you will be on the right path toward a successful culinary career after attending a California culinary school.
1. The Institute of Culinary Education, Pasadena, CA
The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) is a school recognized around the world as being a top culinary program. The school has several campuses across the country but the Los Angeles location is quite exceptional.
It is located in the heart of the city, surrounded by exciting, trend setting restaurants. Not only will you be getting a culinary education while in class, but you will also be immersed in the culture of food.
The school boasts 7 fully equipped, modern test kitchens. Students will get hands-on experience in the kitchen and also study culinary arts in the classroom. Earn your degree in Culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, health supportive culinary arts or restaurant and culinary management. You can also try your hand at an online culinary arts and food operations program.
Scholarships and Fees:
Culinary Arts
- Cost of tuition : $36,040 for entire program
Pastry & Baking Arts
- Cost of tuition :$34,520 for entire program
2. The Culinary Institute of America, St. Helena, CA
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is considered the best culinary school in the world. The schools main campus is located in upstate New York but the Greystone campus in St.Helena, CA is just as incredible. The school is nestled in the center of the California wine country.
There is the main campus where classes take place and a student run restaurant in downtown Napa.
Earn your associate’s degree in culinary arts or baking and pastry arts at the CIA St. Helena.The school also offers an accelerated culinary arts certificate program, giving you a crash course in everything you need to know about culinary arts. Jump start your career with an online CIA masters degree in wine and beverage management. There are many paths you can take when you choose to attend the CIA.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : $65,600 for entire program
- Additional Fees: Board/Meals – $1,735 per semester; General Fee – $835 per semester; Application fee – $50; Supplies and uniforms – $1,080; Graduation fee – $300
3. Long Beach City College, Long Beach, CA
Looking for a culinary school in the Long Beach area? Then you should definitely check out the culinary arts program at Long Beach City College. The college offers associates degrees and also certificate programs in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. You can pick the program that works best for you!
Students will learn through hands on experience in professional kitchens. The courses focus on kitchen safety, sanitation, food production, menu planning and practical problem solving within a culinary environment. Everyone from the beginner cook to a master chef will learn valuable skills at Long Beach City College.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program (60 units): California Residents – $2,760; Non-resident students – $18,900
- Additional Fees: College Services Card $20 Fall/Spring Term & $13 Summer/Winter Term; Student Health Services $20 Fall/Spring Term & $17 Summer/Winter Term; Course Materials Fee Varies; Student Representation $2
4. Los Angeles Trade-Tech College, Los Angeles, CA
The Culinary Arts Pathway at LATTC will help students gain the competencies they need to have a successful career in culinary arts, professional baking and restaurant management. The school is actually the oldest, consecutively operating culinary program in the nation!
The culinary program leads students towards careers in hotels, restaurants, catering and other food service outlets. It is located in the heart of Los Angeles, giving students access to a diverse city with cuisines from around the world.
LATTC is a gold certified school for energy and resources which means it is a healthy, environmentally friendly place to learn.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program (66 required units): California Residents – $3,036; Out-Of-State Residents – $19,074; Foreign Citizens – $20,724
- Additional Fees: Student Representation Fee – $2; Health Services – $19 per semester (Fall or Spring), $16 per semester (Winter or Summer); Associated Student Fee – (optional) $7 per semester (Fall or Spring), $3 per semester (Winter or Summer)
5. The Culinary Academy at Contra Costa College, San Pablo, CA
The Culinary Academy at Contra Costa College will teach you about all the various sides of the culinary arts. From food safety to knowledge about kitchen equipment, you will learn all you need to know here! Of course, you will do a lot of cooking too!
The kitchen at CCC is well equipped and modern. The teaching restaurant, Aqua Terra Grill, is a fine dining experience where you will learn the ins and outs of restaurant management. Apply to join a group of students who study abroad, learning culinary skills in Italy while gaining credits with CCC. You will graduate from the CCC with extreme proficiency in the culinary arts.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program (60 units): California Residents – $2,760; Non-residents of California/International students – $20,760
- Additional Fees: Student Representation Fee – $2 per semester; Health Insurance for International Students – $127 per month; Instructional Material Fees – Variable by course; Student Activity Fee (Optional) – $5 per semester
6. American River College, Sacramento, CA
The American River College has an incredible hospitality management program that may be the perfect fit for you. The program can be completed in just 18 months, giving you the degree you need is a short amount of time. Opt to take full time classes or complete a part time program which will enable you to get your culinary degree while still working a full time job.
ARC offers certificate programs in hospitality management, culinary arts and baking and pastry. You can also earn an associates degree in Culinary Arts Restaurant management. You will spend time in teaching kitchens, classrooms and get hands on experience in the school’s Oak Kitchen Cafe, a four star restaurant. Sounds like a very well rounded program!
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program (68.5 units): California Residents – $3,151; Non-residents students – $27,057.5
- Additional Fees: Student representation fee – $2; Health services fee – $20
7. College of the Canyon’s Institute for Culinary Education, Santa Clarita, CA
Check out the College of the Canyons Institute for Culinary education if you’re interested in a degree in culinary, baking and pastry or wine studies. The school focuses on training students to be professionals, learning the ins and outs of the hospitality world. All you need is to bring your passion for food!
Earn an associates degree in Culinary Arts or a certificate in culinary arts, baking and pastry or wine studies. Both the certificate programs and the associates degree path will give you ample knowledge to be a successful chef or hospitality manager.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program (60.5 units): California Residents – $2,783; Non-residents of California – $21,780
- Additional Fees: Health Fee – $18 Summer / Winter & $22 Spring / Fall; Student Representation Fee – $2; Student Center Fee – $1/unit; Material Fees – Varies
8. Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, CA
The Diablo Valley College has a fantastic culinary arts program where you can earn an associates degree in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry or Restaurant Management. The two year credits from the culinary program can be transferred to help you complete a four year degree as well. It’s all about options!
DVC has a great teaching lab, fully equipped kitchen, retail pastry shop and a student run restaurant that is open to the public. You will also complete an internship outside of the college to get even more hands on experience. You will graduate from DVC with all the skills you need to have a great culinary career.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program (60 required units): California Residents – $2,760; Non-residents of California – $18,000
- Additional Fees: Student Union Fee – $1 per unit; Student representation fee – $2 at registration for fall and spring semesters
9. Institute of Technology, Clovis/Modesto, CA
Earn a culinary arts diploma and get all the experience you need at the IOT culinary arts program. The program focuses on the broad skills needed to be in the culinary field. There are also specialty classes, such as garde manger and international cuisine preparation. They quick program has it all!
The culinary diploma program was designed with your busy life in mind. You can schedule your 180 hour externship around your schedule, gaining school credits, hands on experience and a paying job all at the same time. The school also provides a personalized uniform and cutlery set. You’ll be ready to jump into a professional kitchen from day one!
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : $19,288 for entire program
- Additional Fees: Registration Fee – $75; STRF Fee – $9.50; Books & Supplies – $493 for Clovis and $538 for Modesto
10. Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, CA
At Orange Coast College, you will learn that cooking is both an art and a skill. You need to master both! The OCC culinary program will help.
Once enrolled at OCC, you will take classes like sanitation and safety, bar management, principles of baking and menu planning. You will prepare for an exam to become a certified culinarian and leave the school ready for a career in hotels, resorts and top LA region restaurants.
Earn your associates degree in less than two years or complete a bachelor’s degree program in under 4 years. Both degrees will help boost your culinary career.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program (60 units): California residents – $2,760; Non-Residents – $21,180
- Additional Fees: Health Fee – $21 (Fall and Spring) & $16 Summer; College Service Charge – $26 (Fall and Spring) & $15 (Summer); Student Representation Fee – $2
11. Glendale Community College, Glendale, CA
The Glendale Community College can help you jump start your culinary education. The college offers programs in culinary arts, nutrition and hospitality and tourism management.
Each program consists of lecture hours and also laboratory hours. The lab hours are spent in state of the art, commercial kitchens where you will learn culinary techniques first hand. Your education will begin with courses like Fundamentals of Professional Cooking and then advance to more advanced classes like Commercial Food Preparation.
The class about nutrition controversies seems pretty exciting and also shows how the college stays ahead of the industry trends!
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program (60 required units): California Residents – $2,760; Non-Residents of California – $16,260
- Additional Fees: Health Services Fee – $21 or $18; Student Services Fee – $12.5; Representation Fee – $2; Capital Outlay Fee (for non-residents/international students only) – $40 per unit; Student Activity Fee (international students only) – $25
12. City College of San Francisco- San Francisco, CA
The City College of San Francisco has lots of course options making it the perfect school for all types of aspiring culinarians. You can earn an associates degree in culinary arts, food service or hospitality management. You can also choose to just take a class or two to hone your home cooking skills.
No matter which path you choose, you will be taking classes at a fantastic, beautiful school located in the heart of a vibrant city.
Classes are offered in the day or evening so you can earn your degree around your personal schedule. The food service management course will give you a unique degree, preparing you for a front of the house service career.
Not many culinary schools in California have this specialty! It is definitely worth checking out CCSF if you have a love for cooking and serving.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program (76 units): California Residents – $3,496; Non-California Residents/International students – $25,536
- Additional Fees: Student Health Fee – $20; Student Activities Fee – $7; Student Representative Fee – $2; Web User Fee – $3; Capital outlay fee – $3 per unit (for Non Residents of California/International)
13. Columbia College- Sonora, CA
The culinary arts program at Columbia College will prepare students for a wide variety of positions within the culinary industry. Courses will give students practical knowledge that will help them thrive in a constantly changing field.
The basic knowledge of food science, nutrition, food safety and global cuisines will help graduates thrive and succeed.
Columbia Colleges stresses the fact that the hospitality industry wants chefs who hold degrees. Formal education is becoming more and more important in the kitchen and dining room. Let Columbia College help you get the degree you need and the job you are looking for.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program (60 total units required): California residents – $2,760; Non-residents – $16,238
- Additional Fees: Books & Supplies – $1,126; Transportation – $960
14. Bakersfield College, Bakersfield, CA
The Bakersfield culinary arts and nutrition program integrates theoretical and practical courses to fully prepare students to work in the hospitality field. Not only will students study in the classroom, but they will also get real life experience while working in the student operated restaurant.
Work towards an associates degree in culinary arts or choose a path towards a food science degree. Nutrition and Dietetics is another incredible degree you can earn at Bakersfield College which will guide you toward a career in culinary development or dietary consulting.
The college offers shorter certificate programs as well. The flexible, unique classes may be just what you are looking for!
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program (53.5 units): California residents – $2,461; Non-residents of California – $14,177.5
- Additional Fees: Student Health Fee – $18 for Fall/Spring, $15 for Summer; Student Center Fee – $1 per unit; Student Representation Fee – $2
If you are thinking of studying in California and want to pursue a career in Culinary Arts or any hospitality field, then the colleges on this list are the first places you should look. Each one has different things to offer and each one will help you get ahead in a very competitive industry.
The Golden State has a lot to offer future culinary students. Now, the hard part is deciding which culinary program to pick! Good luck!
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