Are you looking for the best culinary schools in Illinois to pursue your passion for cooking? Whether you want to become a chef, a baker, or a food entrepreneur, you need to find the right program that suits your goals and interests. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best culinary schools in Illinois based on their reputation, curriculum, facilities, and alumni success.
If you are passionate about cooking and want to pursue a career in the culinary industry, you need to find the best culinary school that can help you achieve your goals. Illinois is home to many excellent culinary schools that offer a variety of programs, from certificates to associate degrees, in different areas of specialization, such as baking and pastry, culinary arts, food service management, and more.
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 narrow down your options, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best culinary schools in Illinois based on these criteria. Here are our picks for the best culinary schools in Illinois in 2023. Find out what each school has to offer and how to apply today!
10. Richland Community College
Richland Community College is a public institution that offers an accredited culinary program with a wide range of options for students who want to work in the field of culinary arts. Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Culinary Arts, which includes a practicum experience and coursework in human relations and professional speaking. Alternatively, students can choose from four certificate programs: Culinary Management, Chef Assistant, Baking and Pastry, and Food Preparation.
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The culinary program at Richland Community College teaches students how to operate a variety of state-of-the-art kitchen equipment and master basic culinary techniques. Students also have the opportunity to practice their skills and gain hands-on experience in a professional environment at The Bistro Five Thirty Seven, a student-operated restaurant that serves lunch and dinner on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
9. Southwestern Illinois College
Southwestern Illinois College is another public institution that features a culinary arts and food management program for students who seek entry-level professional positions in the culinary field. This top accredited culinary school offers both an AAS degree and four certificate programs: Food Service, Food Service and Management, Culinary Arts, and Baking and Pastry.
The culinary program at Southwestern Illinois College is taught by experienced faculty who have worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Students learn in a hands-on environment with modern kitchen equipment and work space to allow them to practice their technique. Students who want to engage in further professional development opportunities can participate in the Culinary Arts Club, which competes in local and national competitions.
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8. Illinois Central College
Illinois Central College is a public community college that offers an AAS degree in Culinary Arts Management and a Culinary Arts Management Certificate. The culinary program at Illinois Central College is designed to prepare students for careers as chefs, managers, caterers, or entrepreneurs in the food service industry.
The curriculum covers topics such as 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.
7. Joliet Junior College
Joliet Junior College is the oldest public community college in the nation and one of the best culinary schools in Illinois. It offers an AAS degree in Culinary Arts and three certificate programs: Culinary Arts Occupational Certificate, Baking/Pastry Occupational Certificate, and Restaurant Management Occupational Certificate.
The culinary program at Joliet Junior College is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) and provides students with comprehensive training in both theory and practice of cooking and baking. 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 greenhouse, and an herb garden.
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6. Moraine Valley Community College
Moraine Valley Community College is another public community college that offers an AAS degree in Culinary Arts Management and two certificate programs: Culinary Arts Certificate and Baking/Pastry Certificate.
The culinary program at Moraine Valley Community College is also 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.
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5. College of DuPage
College of DuPage is a public community college 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 College of DuPage is accredited by the ACFEF and the Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation. 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 learn from award-winning faculty who have extensive industry experience and recognition. Students also have access to excellent facilities, including seven kitchens, two bakeries, a chocolate room, a dining room, and a café.
4. Lincoln Land Community College
Lincoln Land Community College is a public community college that offers an AAS degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management and three certificate programs: Culinary Manager Certificate, Baking/Pastry Certificate, and Food Service Sanitation Certificate.
The culinary program at Lincoln Land Community College is accredited by the ACFEF and the Higher Learning Commission. The program prepares students for careers as chefs, managers, or entrepreneurs in the food service industry. 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.
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3. Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute
Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute is a division of Kennedy-King College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago. It offers an AAS degree in Culinary Arts and two certificate programs: Basic Certificate in Culinary Arts and Advanced Certificate in Culinary Arts.
The culinary program at Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute is one of the oldest and most respected culinary programs in the nation. It is accredited by the ACFEF and the Higher Learning Commission. The program provides students with comprehensive training in both classical and contemporary culinary techniques and skills. Students learn from renowned chefs who have worked in some of the finest restaurants in the world. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including seven kitchens, two bakeries, a dining room, a café, a greenhouse, and an herb garden.
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2. Kendall College School of Culinary Arts
Kendall College School of Culinary Arts is a private institution that offers an AAS degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Culinary Arts. It also offers a certificate program in Baking and Pastry.
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The culinary program at Kendall College School of Culinary Arts is one of the most prestigious and innovative culinary programs in the nation. It is accredited by the ACFEF and the Higher Learning Commission. The program provides students with a global perspective on culinary arts and sciences, as well as opportunities to specialize in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, nutrition, or food writing. Students learn from world-class faculty who have extensive industry experience and recognition. Students also have access to exceptional facilities, including 12 kitchens, four bakeries, a dining room, a café, a chocolate room, a wine cellar, and an urban garden.
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1. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
The culinary program at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts 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, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Versailles Palace.
Students who graduate from the culinary program at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts receive a diploma or a degree that is recognized by the ACFEF and the ACCET. They also receive a certificate of completion from the Auguste Escoffier Foundation and Museum of Culinary Art in France, which honors their achievement and connects them to the legacy of Auguste Escoffier. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as chefs, managers, or entrepreneurs in various food service settings, such as restaurants, hotels, resorts, catering companies, or institutional kitchens.
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FAQs
Here are some common questions and answers about the best culinary schools in Illinois.
What are the steps to apply to the best culinary schools in Illinois?
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 Illinois?
The cost of attending a culinary school in Illinois 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 Illinois are $14,289 per year for in-state students and $15,389 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 Illinois?
Attending an accredited culinary school in Illinois 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 Illinois?
Graduates of the best culinary schools in Illinois have many career opportunities in the food service industry, such as:
- 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 Illinois where I can work or dine as a culinary student or graduate?
Illinois has a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, with many restaurants that offer excellent food and service. Some of the best restaurants in Illinois where you can work or dine as a culinary student or graduate are:
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- Alinea (Chicago): A three-Michelin-starred restaurant that serves innovative and creative dishes inspired by molecular gastronomy and art.
- Girl & The Goat (Chicago): A popular restaurant that serves eclectic and adventurous dishes made with seasonal ingredients and global flavors.
- Black Dog Smoke & Ale House (Urbana): A casual restaurant that serves award-winning barbecue and craft beers.
- Vie (Western Springs): A fine dining restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine made with local and organic ingredients.
- Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works (Normal): A restaurant and brewery that serves gastropub fare and unique beers.
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