Are you someone who enjoys cooking? Are you thinking about making it a career? If you live in Texas and are looking into culinary schools, we have prepared a list of the top 10 culinary schools in Texas. In doing so, we hope that we can help you in your process of choosing which school is right for you. A culinary education and career in the culinary arts is incredibly tough, but also very rewarding! Only you can decide which program is the best for you. We just want to help! Good luck with your culinary education — happy applying!
10 Best Culinary Schools in Texas
1. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Named after the legendary chef and restaurateur, the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts based in Austin may be the best place for you to begin your culinary education and career. 95% of graduates from the Escoffier School in Austin are employed in the restaurant industry following completion of the program. Students must complete nearly 200 hours in externship as part of their education.
Tuition: $30,285
Program Length: 1-2 years, depending on program
2. Culinary Institute Lenotre
The Culinary Institute is consistently regarded as one of the best culinary schools in Texas and we are honored to include it on our list. 90% of students receive some form of financial aid while attending the Culinary Institute. Choose from a number of degree programs including Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, or Hospitality and Restaurant Management. Check out their website today and see if the Culinary Institute is the right place for you to begin your education and career.
Tuition: $23,976
Program Length: 100 weeks
3. Culinary Institute of America
The Culinary Institute of America has trained and mentored some of the best and most notable chefs in the United States and the world. The San Antonio campus is one of four CIA campuses worldwide and provides you countless opportunities to excel. There are four test kitchens on the CIA campus. This is one of the best options for your culinary future. Get on their website and see if it is the right fit for you.
Tuition: $67,740
Program Length: 69 credits
4. The International Culinary School at the Art Institutes
In fairness, there are actually three Art Institutes located in Texas: Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. Regardless of which campus you decide to attend, the Art Institute represents an incredible, high-quality culinary education that can have you on the way to a long and rewarding career in the culinary arts. Earn a certificate or Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts.
Tuition: $35,324
Program Length: 1 year to 1.5 years (4-6 quarters)
5. The Culinary School of Fort Worth
If you live in the greater Dallas – Fort Worth area, you are spoiled when it comes to culinary school options. At The Culinary School of Fort Worth, 85% of your educational experience is spent in the kitchen, giving you the professional background to be successful in the culinary industry. By the time you graduate from The Culinary School of Fort Worth, you will have accrued more than two months of real-world kitchen experience through their externship program.
Tuition: $17,474.85
Program Length: 9 months
6. Collin College
Yet another highly competitive and top-value culinary program. Collin College placed 100% of graduates in culinary jobs from their most recent graduating class. Choose from a certificate degree (24 hours) or Associate’s Degree (60 hours). You will learn about foods from all over the country and the world. Start your culinary degree off on the right foot by studying at Collin College.
Tuition: $3,340
Program Length: 24 – 60 credit hours
7. Tarrant Community College
Tarrant Community College is another high-quality program that we just had to include in our list. A cursory look over their website and you can see why. Take courses at Tarrant such as Nutrition and Diet Therapy, American Regional Cuisine, and Garde Manger. Graduate from Tarrant Community with the practical experience you need to be employed as a chef and to succeed. Check out their website today and see if Tarrant is the right fit for you.
Tuition: $3,840 (entire program: $64 per credit hour x 60 credit hours)
Program Length: 2 years
8. St Philips College
Based in San Antonio (another great city for culinary education), St. Philips College can equip you for a career in the culinary arts. Over five semesters, you will take a number of interesting classes, including but not limited to: Professional Cooking and Dining Services, Fundamentals of Baking, and International Cuisine. Begin your professional culinary journey at St Philips College — see if it is the right program for you.
Tuition: $5,940 (entire program: $99 per credit hour x 60 credit hours)
Program Length: 60 credit hours (2 years)
9. Austin Community College
Start your culinary journey by studying at Austin Community College. Choose from a degree in Culinary Arts or Pastry Arts. Options of certificate or Associate’s degree programs. One of the best-value schools included in our list. Courses include Meat Preparation and Cooking, Dining Room Service, and a Practicum. Get on the ACC website and see if you are the right fit.
Tuition: $6,978.13
Program Length: 2 years
10. Del Mar College
Study, live, and work toward your degree in Culinary Arts from Del Mar College, located in beautiful Corpus Christi. You can study more than the Culinary Arts at Del Mar, you can also take courses in Baking & Pastry, and Hospitality Management. It is hard to go wrong when you choose Del Mar for your culinary education. Certificate programs are also offered. An incredible value. Check out their website today and see if DMC is the right fit for you and your goals.
Tuition: ~$6,725
Program Length: 2 years
We hope that our list has been helpful in guiding your research into graduate school and culinary programs. Our list does not include any paid or preferred listings. It is prepared subjectively, using several metrics, including (but not limited to): tuition per credit hour, acceptance rate, number of programs offered, and availability of funding. If you are a representative for a university and want to contact us about a) your schools ranking or b) the fact your school is not included, please feel free to get in touch. We welcome feedback and input. Thank you for reading our list!
