Best 12 Culinary Schools in Illinois
Do you live in Illinois? Have you started thinking about culinary schools? Or maybe you’re looking to start a new life in Chicago and a culinary degree has always been your dream.
Luckily for you, Illinois has some fantastic culinary schools, all of which offer very interesting courses. Are you ready to study the art of chocolate making or to spend weeks learning about soups while living in your favorite state? Then keep on reading!
Each of the culinary schools on our list will help you further your career in the culinary world. You will learn technical skills that can only be taught at a college level. Many of the schools offer the hands-on experience that you truly need to be a successful chef.
Take a look at each Illinois culinary school and see which fits you best!
1. Kendall College School of Culinary Arts, Chicago, IL
Kendall College School of Culinary Arts was ranked the number one culinary school in Chicago. The program ensures that students are ready to start working in the hospitality field immediately upon graduation. You will be more than prepared for any kind of commercial kitchen once you have a degree from Kendall under your belt!
The school offers an associates degree in culinary arts or a bachelor’s degree in culinary management. The associates degree program can also be accelerated, allowing students to complete the rigorous culinary training in a shorter time.
There is also a quick certificate program that is the perfect stepping stone for those who want a solid foundation of culinary skills but not necessarily a full degree. With so many options, we can see why Kendall is top rated!
Scholarships and Fees:
- Course duration: 7 quarters
- Cost of tuition : Per program – $56,287
- Additional Fees: Total Fees Per Quarter – $895
2. Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute at Kennedy, King College, Chicago, IL
The Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute marries modern cooking trends with classic techniques. When attending the school, you will learn how to use the latest culinary equipment while remembering the traditional art of each dish. This is what makes Washburne so great! Students get a thorough and well-rounded culinary education.
With over 150,000 sq ft of commercial kitchen space, Washburne houses multiple kitchens, each one specializing in a certain area of food service. Learn the art of baking in one of the school’s pastry kitchens or head to the demonstration theater to watch top chefs speak about their love of food. Hands on training and pure passion for the culinary arts is why Washburne is on top of our list!
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program – (64 credit hours): for In-District – $9,344; for Out-of-District – $24,576; for Non-Resident – $30,784
- Additional Fees: Other fees not included (books, supplies, student ID, etc)
3. Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, IL
The culinary industry is the second largest employer in the nation. Lincoln Land Community College will prepare you to be a top candidate for any of the thousands of culinary jobs you pursue.
The associates degree program prepares individuals for cooking positions such as line cook or pastry chef. With courses in financial management and leadership, you will also be able to step into a supervisory role within the kitchen. There is a heavy emphasis on food production and preparation with both cooking classes and a required internship program. You will learn everything you need to know about the culinary arts at Lincoln Land College!
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program (60 credit hours) – $10,469.50
- Additional Fees: Tools/Uniform: $541.92; Books: $957.85
4. College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL
The culinary arts program at DuPage is both exciting and challenging. With small class sizes, students get lots of personalized instruction. The school offers flexible schedules with evening, day, and weekend courses. With an on campus skills room, chocolate kitchen, and culinary amphitheater, there are many ways to learn at DuPage.
Earn a full, two-year associates’ degree in Culinary Arts. In addition to cooking classes, you will also learn supervision and management and kitchen maintenance. Gain hands-on experience while cooking in the Wheat Cafe and the fine dining Waterleaf restaurant, two on campus, student-run kitchens. Real experience combined with classroom courses is the best way to learn about the culinary world!
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program – (64 credit hours):for In-District – $8,832; for Out-of-District – $20,800; for Non-Resident – $25,280
- Additional Fees: Per Credit Hour – $30 other fees
5. Joliet Junior College, Joliet, IL
Joliet Junior College is a beautiful place to learn about the culinary arts while staying in Illinois. The school offers degree programs in culinary arts and hospitality management. The courses are taught by highly trained, award winning chefs. Courses are also flexible, allowing you to take classes in subjects that interest you. Try an event planning class or choose to learn about the hotel industry while working toward your JJC degree.
The culinary arts program takes place in state-of-the-art kitchens. Apply for one of the study abroad programs to expand your culinary knowledge on a global level. Take the credits you earn at JJC and pursue a higher degree at a local school. JJC is a great place to get your culinary start before deciding what you’d like to do with your exciting degree.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program – (70 credit hours): for In-District – $7,910; for Out-of-District – $26,880; for Non-Resident – $28,840
- Additional Fees: Per Credit Hour – $35 other fees
6. Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills, IL
The Moraine Valley culinary program will train you to work in a wide variety of hospitality settings. You will learn to work in restaurants, hotels, catering settings and even hospitals. You will gain skills and knowledge that are necessary to fully understand the hospitality field.
Pursue an associates degree in baking and pastry, culinary arts management or restaurant management. You can also get a quick culinary education by enrolling in a certificate program. The Hotel Restaurant program is unique and specialized for those wanting insight to this specific section of the hospitality field. A degree from Moraine Valley Community College is just the start you need to be successful in the culinary field!
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program – (65 credit hours): for In-District – $8,515; for Out-of-District – $20,540; for Non-Resident – $24,050
- Additional Fees: Per credit hour student activity fee – $3; Per credit hour technology fee – $10; Application fee – $25 one-time; Student ID – $3/semester
7. Illinois Central College, East Peoria, IL
Do you love to cook? Then why not turn that passion into a full career. At the Illinois Central College, you will get all the skills you need to work in a professional kitchen.
ICC focuses not only on food preparation but also pushes students to harbor a love of food. Learning where food comes from, how it affects cultures, and the role of food in history is also essential. Having a deep appreciation for food will help you not only to be successful, but will enhance your love of your career in the food service industry.
At ICC, you will learn culinary arts in a state-of-the-art kitchen. The college has a very high placement rate, helping students get jobs within Illinois upon graduation. On completing the courses, you will have an associates degree in Culinary Arts and a true love of food!
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program – (64 credit hours): for In-District – $9,920; for Out-of-District – $21,120; for Non-Resident – $24,960
- Additional Fees: Books and Supplies – $1,600
8. Southwestern Illinois College, Granite City, IL
The associates degree program at Southwestern Illinois College will prepare you for an entry level career in food service. The school has four different educational options for those interested in a culinary career. Choose between a baking and pastry program, culinary arts, food service, or food service management. Each degree path is slightly different and specialized to fit what you are looking for.
Whichever degree you choose to pursue at SIC, you will be learning and working in real commercial kitchens. Hands-on experience is key to a successful culinary career! Classroom lectures will also help you gain insightful knowledge into the hospitality world. Upon graduation from SIC, you will be ready to jump into a culinary job, whether in Illinois or in a whole new country!
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program – (71 credit hours): for In-District – $8,023; for Out-of-District – $14,484; for Non-Resident – $21,442
- Additional Fees: Per credit hour technology fee – $6; Per credit hour student activity fee – $3
9. Richland Community College, Decatur, IL
The culinary arts program at Richland Community College helps prepare students for an exciting career as a chef, cook or food supervisor. The curriculum covers all aspects of culinary preparation. You will get hands-on experience in meats, sauces, breads, desserts, and so much more. Work in the on campus restaurant, Bistro Five Thirty Seven, to get even more real-life culinary experience.
Coursework emphasizes the importance of managerial responsibilities, such as sanitation, menu development, and cost control. These skills are essential to having a successful food service operation. Richland will help you become a master in all of these fields!
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program – (70 credit hours): for In-District – $9,730; for Out-of-District – $20,230; for Non-Resident – $43,960
- Additional Fees: Per credit hour technology fee – $12; Per credit hour registration fee – $2; Uniforms and a knife kit – total approximately $400
10. Saint Augustine College, Chicago, IL
Looking to be in the heart of Chicago while you study culinary arts? Then the St. Augustine College is for you. The program is designed to give you the expertise you need to enter the food service industry with complete confidence. You’ll be ready for a job in a hotel, restaurant, hospital or even in a cruise ship kitchen!
The associates degree in culinary arts is made up of exciting classes. Will the fish, shellfish and poultry class be your favorite or will the baking and pastry courses thrill you the most? No matter which classes you love, you will be exposed to a wide range of foods and preparation techniques, giving you a fantastic base knowledge to start your food service career.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program (60 credit hours) – $29,280
- Additional Fees: Books and supplies – $1,200; Graduation Fee – $50; Course Material Fee (applied to every 8-weeks) – $100
11. Elgin Community College, Elgin, IL
The Elgin Community College offers several different culinary associate’s degrees. Choose between pursuing a degree in culinary arts, pastry arts, or restaurant management. Each degree will give you the leg up you need to get a great job in a competitive field. You can even choose to continue your degree at one of the college’s partner schools, earning a four-year degree if you choose.
At ECC, you will learn in the classroom, online, and in one of the five high-tech campus kitchens. You will also get real-life experience working in the student-run, fine dining restaurant, Spartan Terrace. EEC covers all aspects of the culinary world, giving you an incredible education at the cost of a small community college.
Scholarships and Fees:
- Cost of tuition : Per program – (70.5 credit hours): for In-District – $9,306; for Out-of-District – $20,938.5; for Non-Resident – $27,918
- Additional Fees: Per semester enrollment fee – $6; Per semester service fee – $30
12. Harper College, Palatine, IL
Earn a culinary certificate at Harper College in just 32 hours. With this certificate, you will be ready to get a job as a cook, chef’s assistant or culinary supervisor. Harper College will definitely boost your career!
Take classes in bread and pastry arts, food service sanitation, and menu planning. You will love the fancy garde manger course and learn a lot while taking dining room operations. The Harper College culinary courses cover all aspects of the food service industry. You can also benefit from all the campus activities and 60 student organizations. Harper campus is an exciting place to be in Illinois!
There are many fantastic culinary schools within Illinois. Each one will prepare you for a career in one of the state’s many hospitality locations. Culinary schools are exciting and full of passionate, interesting people. Choose a school that fits what you need and you are sure to learn, create, and have fun!
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