Are you looking for the best culinary schools in Pennsylvania to start or advance your career in the culinary industry? Whether you want to become a chef, a baker, a manager, or an entrepreneur, you need to find the right school that matches your goals and interests. In this article, we have ranked the top 10 best culinary schools in Pennsylvania based on their reputation, curriculum, facilities, faculty, accreditation, and alumni success.
Pennsylvania is a state with a rich and diverse culinary heritage, influenced by its history, geography, and culture. From the iconic Philly cheesesteak and soft pretzel to the Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, Pennsylvania has something to offer for every taste and preference. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the culinary industry, you will find many opportunities and challenges in Pennsylvania, as well as some of the best culinary schools in the country.
But how do you choose the best culinary school for you? There are many factors to consider, such as the reputation, curriculum, facilities, faculty, accreditation, cost, and alumni success of each school. To help you make an informed decision, we have ranked the top 10 best culinary schools in Pennsylvania based on these criteria. Here are our picks for the best culinary schools in Pennsylvania in 2023. Discover what each school has to offer and how to apply today!
10. Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center
Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center is a public institution that offers individual classes, training, and some certification in culinary arts. Students get hands-on experience from the start by learning and working in the Center’s fully-equipped restaurant, bakery, and cafe. Instructional topics covered include everything one might need to successfully enter the culinary industry, such as knife skills, sanitation, baking, and menu planning, among other things.
The culinary program at Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in various food service settings, such as restaurants, hotels, resorts, catering companies, or institutional kitchens. Students also have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials from ServSafe and ProStart.
9. Drexel University
Drexel University is a private institution that offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Arts and Science. Graduating with this degree requires 185 credits of coursework, including general education. Classes cover a variety of topics, such as nutrition, global cuisine, butchery, food science, food safety, food service management, and more. Many of Drexel’s culinary students also choose to minor in business.
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The culinary program at Drexel University is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) and provides students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in culinary arts and sciences. Students learn from qualified instructors who have extensive industry experience and credentials. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including six kitchens, two bakeries, a dining room, a café, a chocolate room, and a wine cellar.
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8. The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College
The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College is a private institution that offers programs in culinary arts, pastry arts, hospitality, and restaurant management. Courses are hands-on and taught by professional chef instructors. Uniquely, Walnut Hill College features a tuition-paid travel experience as part of their curriculum. Once students have completed their associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in one of the aforementioned fields, they have the opportunity to travel to France, England, or Florida and the Bahamas for a first-hand look at international cuisine and hospitality.
The culinary program at Walnut Hill College is accredited by the ACFEF and the Higher Learning Commission. The program provides students with a solid foundation in culinary arts and sciences, as well as opportunities to specialize in areas such as baking and pastry, garde manger, international cuisine, or catering. Students also have access to excellent facilities, including seven kitchens, two bakeries, a dining room, a café, a chocolate room, and a wine cellar.
7. JNA Institute of Culinary Arts
JNA Institute of Culinary Arts is a private institution that features an Associate of Specialized Technology (AST) degree in Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management with a focus in either Culinary Arts or Pastry Arts. Students learn through hands-on labs and lectures in state-of-the-art kitchen facilities. Students become comfortable with the skills needed to be successful in both the front and the back of the house in restaurant establishments. Students also have the opportunity to network with local industry professionals during class field trips.
The culinary program at JNA Institute of Culinary Arts is accredited by the ACFEF and prepares students for careers as chefs or managers in various food service settings, such as restaurants, hotels, resorts, catering companies, or institutional kitchens. The program covers topics such as culinary fundamentals, food production, baking and pastry arts, food service supervision, menu development, cost control, and more. Students also participate in an externship at a local food service establishment to gain practical experience.
6. Community College of Philadelphia
Community College of Philadelphia is a public institution that offers an AAS degree in Culinary Arts and two certificate programs: Culinary Arts Certificate and Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate.
The culinary program at Community College of Philadelphia is accredited by the ACFEF and provides students with comprehensive training in both theory and practice of cooking and baking. Students learn from experienced faculty who have worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including six kitchens, two bakeries, a dining room, a café, a chocolate room, and a wine cellar.
The culinary program at Community College of Philadelphia also includes an industry externship, where students work in a real-world food service establishment under the guidance of a mentor chef. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program in France, where they can learn about the history and culture of French cuisine and visit some of the most famous culinary landmarks in the world.
5. Harrisburg Area Community College
Harrisburg Area Community College is a public institution that offers an AAS degree in Culinary Arts and three certificate programs: Culinary Arts Certificate, Baking/Pastry Certificate, and Food Service Sanitation Certificate.
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The culinary program at Harrisburg Area Community College is accredited by the ACFEF and prepares students for careers as chefs or managers in various food service settings, such as restaurants, hotels, resorts, catering companies, or institutional kitchens. The program covers topics such as culinary fundamentals, food safety and sanitation, nutrition, menu planning, cost control, purchasing, inventory management, catering operations, baking fundamentals, classical cuisine, international cuisine, and more. Students also complete an internship or cooperative work experience at an approved food service establishment to gain real-world experience.
4. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a public institution that offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Dietetics. It also offers a minor in Culinary Arts.
The culinary program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the ACFEF and provides students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in culinary arts and sciences. Students learn from qualified instructors who have extensive industry experience and credentials. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including six kitchens, two bakeries, a dining room, a café, a chocolate room, and a wine cellar.
The culinary program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania also includes an industry externship, where students work in a real-world food service establishment under the guidance of a mentor chef. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program in Italy, where they can learn about the history and culture of Italian cuisine and visit some of the most famous culinary landmarks in the world.
3. Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania College of Technology is a public institution that offers an AAS degree in Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts. It also offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Arts and Systems and Applied Management.
The culinary program at Pennsylvania College of Technology is accredited by the ACFEF and provides students with a comprehensive and innovative education in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. Students learn from award-winning faculty who have extensive industry experience and recognition. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including six kitchens, two bakeries, a dining room, a café, a chocolate room, and a wine cellar.
The culinary program at Pennsylvania College of Technology also includes an industry externship, where students work in a real-world food service establishment under the guidance of a mentor chef. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program in France or Switzerland, where they can learn about the history and culture of French or Swiss cuisine and visit some of the most famous culinary landmarks in the world.
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2. The Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts
The Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts is a division of YTI Career Institute, a private institution that offers an AAS degree in Pastry Arts and Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management.
The culinary program at The Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts is accredited by the ACFEF and prepares students for careers as chefs or managers in various food service settings, such as restaurants, hotels, resorts catering companies, or institutional kitchens. The program covers topics such as culinary fundamentals, food safety and sanitation, nutrition, menu planning, cost control, purchasing, inventory management, catering operations, baking fundamentals, classical cuisine, international cuisine, and more. Students also complete an externship at a local food service establishment to gain practical experience.
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1. Westmoreland County Community College
Westmoreland County Community College is a public institution that offers an AAS degree in Culinary Arts and two certificate programs: Culinary Arts Certificate and Baking and Pastry Certificate.
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The culinary program at Westmoreland County Community College is accredited by the ACFEF and provides students with comprehensive training in both theory and practice of cooking and baking. Students learn from experienced faculty who have worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including six kitchens, two bakeries, a dining room, a café, a chocolate room, and a wine cellar.
The culinary program at Westmoreland County Community College also includes an industry externship, where students work in a real-world food service establishment under the guidance of a mentor chef. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program in France or Italy, where they can learn about the history and culture of French or Italian cuisine and visit some of the most famous culinary landmarks in the world.
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FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about the best culinary schools in Pennsylvania.
What are the steps to apply to the best culinary schools in Pennsylvania?
Each culinary school has its own requirements and process for admission. You should check the website of the school you are interested in and follow the directions on how to apply. Generally, you will need to fill out an online or paper application form, pay an application fee, provide your high school or college transcripts, and possibly write an essay or provide letters of recommendation.
How much do I have to pay to attend the best culinary schools in Pennsylvania?
The cost of attending a culinary school in Pennsylvania depends on the type of school, the program, the duration, and the financial aid available. According to College Tuition Compare, the average tuition and fees for a culinary program in Pennsylvania are $15,720 per year for in-state students and $16,820 per year for out-of-state students. However, these numbers do not include other expenses such as books, supplies, housing, transportation, and personal expenses.
What are the advantages of attending an accredited culinary school in Pennsylvania?
Attending an accredited culinary school in Pennsylvania has many advantages, such as:
- Ensuring that the school meets the standards of quality and excellence set by a recognized accrediting agency.
- Enhancing your credibility and employability as a culinary professional.
- Qualifying you for federal financial aid and scholarships.
- Facilitating your transfer of credits to other accredited institutions.
- Preparing you for certification exams offered by professional organizations such as the American Culinary Federation.
What are the career opportunities for graduates of the best culinary schools in Pennsylvania?
Graduates of the best culinary schools in Pennsylvania have many career opportunities in the food service industry, such as:
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- Chef or cook
- Sous chef or executive chef
- Pastry chef or baker
- Caterer or personal chef
- Food service manager or director
- Food stylist or food writer
- Food critic or food blogger
- Food educator or consultant
- Food entrepreneur or restaurateur
What are some of the best restaurants in Pennsylvania where I can work or dine as a culinary student or graduate?
Pennsylvania has a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, with many restaurants that offer excellent food and service. Some of the best restaurants in Pennsylvania where you can work or dine as a culinary student or graduate are:
- Zahav (Philadelphia): A James Beard Award-winning restaurant that serves modern Israeli cuisine with influences from North Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
- Morcilla (Pittsburgh): A Spanish restaurant that specializes in charcuterie and tapas made with local ingredients.
- John J. Jeffries (Lancaster): A farm-to-table restaurant that serves seasonal American dishes made with organic and sustainable ingredients.
- Lacroix (Philadelphia): A fine dining restaurant that serves creative and elegant dishes inspired by global flavors and techniques.
- The Progress Grill (Harrisburg): A family-owned restaurant that serves classic steakhouse fare and seafood in a cozy and casual atmosphere.
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