Sam SmithChoosing the right culinary school is one of the most important steps in shaping a chef’s career. With so many programs across the United States—ranging from elite institutions to specialized pastry academies—it helps to see them organized clearly in one place. The table below highlights 50 respected culinary and hospitality programs, each known for strong hands-on training, industry connections, and diverse culinary pathways. This list gives you a broad view of the country’s top options.
Top 50 Culinary Schools In The US
1. The Culinary Institute of America (CIA)
The Culinary Institute of America
Widely considered the premier culinary school in the U.S., this institute offers world-class chef training built on classical technique, discipline, and industry immersion. Its Hyde Park campus features multiple student-run restaurants, advanced kitchens, and renowned chef-instructors. Students gain expertise in global cuisines, baking, food science, and hospitality operations. With unmatched alumni connections and strong employer partnerships, the school prepares graduates for leadership roles in restaurants, hotels, food media, and research kitchens worldwide.
2. Institute of Culinary Education (ICE)
Institute of Culinary Education
Known for its fast-paced, career-focused programs, this school trains students through intensive hands-on labs delivered by industry professionals. Its New York and Los Angeles campuses provide direct access to two of America’s most influential food scenes. Students choose from culinary arts, pastry, restaurant management, and food media programs designed for rapid entry into the workforce. With strong externship placements and modern facilities, graduates frequently transition into high-end restaurants, catering companies, and innovative culinary startups.
3. Johnson & Wales University (JWU)
Johnson & Wales University
This university blends rigorous culinary education with hospitality, business, and food innovation training. Students learn classic and contemporary cooking methods, while also gaining management and entrepreneurship skills. With large campuses, student-run restaurants, and research labs, the environment supports diverse career pathways—from fine dining to hotel operations and food product development. Its national reputation and extensive alumni network help graduates secure strong positions across the culinary, hospitality, and tourism industries.
4. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
This school emphasizes classical French foundations paired with modern sustainability practices, including farm-to-table training and responsible sourcing. Students engage in hands-on culinary and pastry programs that highlight technique, flavor development, and kitchen professionalism. Its Boulder and Austin campuses give access to vibrant local food cultures. Strong online options make programs flexible, while externships and chef mentorships help students enter restaurant kitchens, bakeries, hotels, and catering environments with confidence and practical skill.
5. International Culinary Center (ICC)
International Culinary Center
Formerly the French Culinary Institute, this school built a legendary reputation for intense, technique-driven training guided by master chefs. Its fast-track programs specialized in classic French methods, artisanal bread, and pastry. Although now merged into ICE, the school’s legacy continues through its instructors, curriculum, and alumni achievements. Its teaching philosophy centered on discipline, precision, and professional readiness, producing chefs who excel in high-end restaurants, media, and global culinary leadership roles.
6. Cornell University School of Hotel Administration
Cornell University School of Hotel Administration
This Ivy League program leads the nation in hospitality management education. While not a traditional culinary school, it prepares students for leadership roles overseeing food and beverage operations, hotels, and global hospitality brands. Students learn finance, real estate, service design, and operational strategy in a business-focused environment. With renowned faculty, international prestige, and powerful alumni connections, the school equips graduates for executive careers across luxury hotels, restaurants, resorts, and large-scale food enterprises.
7. UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality
William F. Harrah College of Hospitality
Located in Las Vegas—the world’s hospitality capital—this college offers unparalleled access to high-volume food, beverage, resort, and entertainment operations. Students combine classroom learning with hands-on experience inside major hotels and casinos. Programs emphasize leadership, culinary operations, guest services, and management. Strong industry ties produce excellent internship and job opportunities. Graduates often move into leadership roles within global hotel groups, restaurant chains, event companies, and luxury hospitality venues.
8. Michigan State University – The School of Hospitality Business
The School of Hospitality Business
With more than 90 years of history, this school emphasizes hospitality leadership, service innovation, and foodservice management. Students learn finance, operations, HR, and restaurant management while gaining practical experience through internships and industry partnerships. Its strong employer network helps place graduates in hotels, food distributors, restaurant groups, and entertainment venues. The program nurtures well-rounded professionals with both business acumen and hands-on operational understanding.
9. University of Houston – Conrad N. Hilton College
Conrad N. Hilton College
Named after the iconic hotel founder, this college blends hospitality leadership, culinary operations, and real-world practice. Students train in on-campus restaurants, beverage labs, and a full-service teaching hotel. Programs emphasize management, service excellence, and global hospitality strategy. With strong industry partnerships in Houston’s diverse food scene, graduates enter roles in hotels, restaurants, food management, and event production. The school’s practical focus equips students for rapid advancement.
10. Purdue University – White Lodging–J.W. Marriott, Jr. School
White Lodging–J.W. Marriott, Jr. School
This program prepares students for leadership in hospitality, tourism, and foodservice management. Coursework combines business fundamentals with hands-on operational training in hotels, restaurants, and catering environments. Strong relationships with major hospitality companies provide students with internships, networking, and employment pipelines. Graduates gain skills in service management, culinary operations, and organizational leadership, entering careers across lodging, F&B operations, event planning, and hospitality analytics.
Top 50 Culinary Schools – Numbered Table
| # | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) | Hyde Park, NY / St. Helena, CA / San Antonio, TX |
| 2 | Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) | New York, NY / Los Angeles, CA |
| 3 | Johnson & Wales University (JWU) | Providence, RI / Charlotte, NC / Miami, FL / Denver, CO |
| 4 | Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts | Boulder, CO / Austin, TX |
| 5 | International Culinary Center (ICC) | New York, NY |
| 6 | Cornell University School of Hotel Administration | Ithaca, NY |
| 7 | University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) – Harrah College | Las Vegas, NV |
| 8 | Michigan State University – School of Hospitality Business | East Lansing, MI |
| 9 | University of Houston – Conrad N. Hilton College | Houston, TX |
| 10 | Purdue University – School of Hospitality & Tourism Management | West Lafayette, IN |
| 11 | Boston University – School of Hospitality Administration | Boston, MA |
| 12 | Washington State University – School of Hospitality | Pullman, WA |
| 13 | University of Central Florida – Rosen College | Orlando, FL |
| 14 | Penn State University – School of Hospitality Management | University Park, PA |
| 15 | New York University (NYU) – Tisch Center of Hospitality | New York, NY |
| 16 | L’Academie de Cuisine | Gaithersburg, MD |
| 17 | International Culinary Arts & Sciences Institute (ICASI) | Chesterland, OH |
| 18 | Kendall College at National Louis University | Chicago, IL |
| 19 | Oregon Culinary Institute | Portland, OR |
| 20 | Cascade Culinary Institute | Bend, OR |
| 21 | San Diego Culinary Institute | La Mesa, CA |
| 22 | Secchia Institute for Culinary Education | Grand Rapids, MI |
| 23 | Culinary Institute of Charleston | Charleston, SC |
| 24 | Art Institute of Seattle – Culinary Program | Seattle, WA |
| 25 | The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College | Philadelphia, PA |
| 26 | California School of Culinary Arts (Le Cordon Bleu) | Pasadena, CA |
| 27 | Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies | Louisville, KY |
| 28 | Stratford University – Culinary Arts & Hospitality | VA & MD campuses |
| 29 | The French Pastry School (City Colleges of Chicago) | Chicago, IL |
| 30 | Cook Street School of Culinary Arts | Denver, CO |
| 31 | Cincinnati State – Midwest Culinary Institute | Cincinnati, OH |
| 32 | Indian Hills Community College – Culinary Arts | Ottumwa, IA |
| 33 | Pierce College – Culinary Arts Program | Lakewood, WA |
| 34 | Monroe Community College – Culinary Arts | Rochester, NY |
| 35 | Skyline College – Culinary Arts | San Bruno, CA |
| 36 | Santa Barbara City College – Culinary Arts | Santa Barbara, CA |
| 37 | Columbus State Community College – Culinary Arts | Columbus, OH |
| 38 | Houston Community College – Culinary Arts | Houston, TX |
| 39 | Orange Coast College – Culinary Arts | Costa Mesa, CA |
| 40 | Alamance Community College – Culinary Arts | Graham, NC |
| 41 | The French Pastry School | Chicago, IL |
| 42 | ICC Pastry Program (now ICE) | New York, NY |
| 43 | CIA – Baking & Pastry Arts Program | Hyde Park, NY |
| 44 | ICE – Pastry & Baking Arts | New York, NY |
| 45 | Johnson & Wales – College of Food Innovation & Technology | Providence, RI |
| 46 | Auguste Escoffier – Pastry Arts Program | Boulder, CO / Austin, TX |
| 47 | New England Culinary Institute (NECI) | Montpelier, VT |
| 48 | Miami Culinary Institute | Miami, FL |
| 49 | CIA at Copia | Napa, CA |
| 50 | Boston University – Gastronomy & Food Studies | Boston, MA |
Closing
Whether you’re pursuing classical culinary training, pastry arts, or hospitality management, each school on this list offers a unique path into the food industry. Your ideal choice depends on your goals, budget, location, and learning style. Use this list as a starting point, then dive deeper into the programs that match your passion. With the right environment and commitment, any of these schools can help launch a successful culinary career.