Best Culinary Schools in Houston | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply

Houston is home to an impressive array of restaurants. Thanks to the many culinary schools in Houston.

The traditional southwestern steakhouse, which is frequently seen as the fulcrum of the Texas culinary scene, is just one example of the flavours that go well.

Due to this, there is a demand for top-notch cuisine and skilled, well-trained chefs wherever there is top-tier business and commerce.

The Culinary schools in Houston alone are symbolic of the sophistication of the Houston taste in good food.

Among the top metro areas in the United States, Houston is a significant industrial port with an almost unmatched corporate history. 

Therefore, to become a cook in Houston, just experimenting with new recipes at home won’t cut it. Your abilities must be refined either by education or experience. 

This can be made possible by attending any of the culinary schools in Houston. 

The importance of enrolling in a Culinary School cannot be overstated, as these schools hone your cooking skill, and provide needed experience and expertise.

Therefore, this article shall examine the Culinary schools in Houston, fees, requirements and how to apply.

Read Also: Culinary Schools in Houston

Are there Culinary Schools in Houston?

Yes, while Houston is home to lots of restaurants, it is also a place with Culinary schools. 

The Culinary schools in Houston are outlined below;

  • Culinary Institute, Lenotre
  • The Art Institute of Houston
  • Houston Community College
  • Lee College
  • Galveston College
  • Le Bistro Culinary Institute Lentore Houston
  • Alvin Community College
  • San Jacinto College
  • Tre Wilcox Cooking Concepts
  • The Culinary Institute of America

How Much Do Culinary Schools Cost in Houston?

The average cost of Culinary Schools in Houston ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 at most, depending on which one you choose to attend.

Houston Community College costs $1,632 per year for in-district students and $3,360 per year for students in Texas.

San Jacinto College Culinary applicants pay tuition fees of $1,548 yearly for in-district students and  $2,628 per year for in-state students. 

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What are the Requirements for Culinary Schools in Houston?

The admission requirements for San Jacinto College are English, math, writing placement testing (qualifying SAT, ACT or TAKS scores), orientation, meningitis vaccine, and advisor meeting.

While Alvin Community College requires a placement test, advisor appointment (for first-time students), orientation, meningitis vaccine, uniform and knife set for admission.

Also, Houston Community College requires reading, writing and math placement exams, pre-enrollment session, orientation and meningitis vaccination before prospective students are offered admission.

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What are the Best Culinary Schools in Houston?

The best Culinary Schools in Houston offer Culinary arts and studies and are highly- ranked in Houston and other US states.

These schools are discussed in detail below;

1. Culinary Institute Lenotre

Since its inception in 1998, Culinary Institute Lenotre provides several programs that assist students in learning the fundamentals of French haute cuisine. 

These programs are delivered through flexible teaching schedules with a choice of three shifts, ten-week terms, and hands-on experience.

Furthermore, the school offers a variety of excellent culinary programs and electives in addition to a limited number of continuing education courses for seasoned food industry members.

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In addition, Students in this school learn to produce hundreds of meals, study both traditional and modern cooking techniques, and expand their knowledge of a wide range of culinary-related subjects.

This Institute is ranked in the top 3% percent of Culinary Schools in Houston.

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2. The Art Institute of Houston

The Art Institute of Houston, or simply AI-Houston, is a for-profit university situated in Houston, Texas. 

There are 352 undergraduate students enrolled at this little school. It is also well known that they have a 100% acceptance rate. 

Culinary arts and food service are the most popular majors in AI- Houston.

Above all, the curriculum seeks to prepare students for the competitive and innovative world of international cuisine and provides them with the knowledge and experience necessary to live up to the expectations of contemporary diners and employers.

According to past data, 30% of Art Institute of Houston graduates who attended AI – Houston went on to land a starting income of $27,300. 

Also, costs range from $1,500 to $3,000 for tuition, books, supplies, and other materials.

This is a good reason why it is one of the best Culinary schools in Houston

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3. Houston Community College

Houston Community College provides an associate of applied science in culinary arts in addition to certificates for bakers, prep cooks, and pastry cooks. 

To start, new students take a course on sanitation and safety in any of these programs before moving on to classes that are unique to areas of concentration, including bread and dough, baking and cakes, or pastries and desserts.

Students who get degrees in culinary arts are prepared for management positions in the food business.

It would also interest readers to know that their acceptance rate is 100 per cent. 

Additionally, 21% of Houston Community College graduates go on to make a beginning salary of $28,200.

This is a good reason why it is one of the Best Culinary Schools in Houston.

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4. Lee College

Baytown, in the Greater Houston Area, is home to Lee College, a public university. There are 1,567 undergraduate students enrolled, making it a modest school with an acceptance rate of 100%. 

The Culinary arts program equips students with crucial abilities to flourish in the exciting and dynamic workplace of today. 

Moreover, Its curriculum consists of two completion certificates that can be used to fulfill the requirements for an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts.

In addition, beginning salaries for Lee College graduates are $28,500. 

Finally, with a $500 scholarship available to her pupils, tuition ranges from $2000 to $3,000 every session.

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5. Alvin Community College

Alvin Community College is ranked as one of the best Culinary schools in Houston.

Through an all-encompassing curriculum that teaches both cooking techniques and other aspects of managing a food service enterprise, such as liberal arts, business, and computer courses, Alvin Community College’s culinary arts program equips students for a wide range of entry-level positions in the food service industry.

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Also, depending on the program of study, tuition costs $1,154. This includes other costs as well.

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6. Galveston College

According to important statistics and student evaluations using data from the US Education Department, Galveston College is ranked as one of the top culinary schools in Houston.

This Culinary school provides classes for continuing education that help its students pursue a profession in that particular area of interest.

Additionally, tuition costs have significantly decreased due to the number of scholarships the school gives prospective students.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the IT department, counselling, and lecturers offer a lot of support and they are friendly and approachable.

Lastly, the Culinary arts program in this college lasts for two years, after which students go on to do apprenticeships or apply for full-time jobs.

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7. Le Bistro Culinary Institute Lentore Houston

Houston’s Allensby Street hosts the Le Bistro Culinary Institute, a culinary institute. 

The institute provides cooks with extensive training in proper dining etiquette and how to create fine food. 

Their menu combines meals created to appeal to an international palette with traditional and cutting-edge French skills taught in schools. 

Every visitor who visits Le Bistro to eat comments on the great reception and top-notch customer service provided by its students.

Apart from this, it is a very popular place and highly rated among the Culinary Schools in Houston.

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8. San Jacinto Community College

The culinary arts department at San Jacinto Community College offers fundamental instruction and training for cooks and aspiring chefs. 

More importantly, the Culinary program largely focuses on technical food preparation skills, food composition, and the usage and upkeep of equipment used in the food service industry. 

Lastly, the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission approves the program (ACFEFAC).

This is a good reason why it is one of the best  Culinary schools in Houston.

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9. Tre Wilcox Cooking Concepts

A renowned provider of cooking instruction in the Houston area is Tre Wilcox Cooking Concepts. 

The enjoyable and educational hands-on sessions are open to adults, kids, and couples, and participants create a delectable three-course meal.

Notably, Demonstration sessions provide more in-depth analysis and an interactive learning environment. 

Also, exciting couples cooking workshops provide a cosy setting for instruction along with vibrant music and time for wine sharing. 

Furthermore, the seasonal elements that are available determine the topics for every lesson.

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10. The Culinary Institute of America

One of the best culinary schools in Houston and in the world is the Culinary Institute of America and one of its many international campuses is in the vibrant state of Texas. 

The school makes the most of its surroundings by focusing on Latin food and having a unique Latin kitchen with indoor and outdoor cooking outlets.

Also, on-site amenities include a professional bakeshop, five more test kitchens, and a learning strategies centre where students can study at any time of day. 

In addition, the Houston school offers a culinary arts and baking associate’s degree program. 

Therefore, industry experts also enrol in specialized programs to advance their careers to provide greater expertise.

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How Much Do Cooks Make in Houston?

The average salary for a cook is $15.45 per hour in Houston.

Similarly, the average annual full-time cook salary in Houston is $26140. 

Most Culinary companies pay between $23797 to $32053 per year.

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How Do I Become a Cook in Houston?

To become a Cook in Houston, you must consider the following.

  • Consider Career options and know your specializations
  • Enroll in a Culinary school
  • Start work in a restaurant kitchen to improve skill and networking
  • Gain experience and work your way up in the Culinary field
  • Pursue and get certifications
  • Meet and Network with people whose interests align with yours

Best Paying Culinary Jobs in Houston with Salary?

A fine dining server in Houston earns between $45,000-$100,000 a year.

An executive chef gets paid $90,000-$100,000 per year.

Personal chef role in Houston earns $21 per hour.

Chef instructors earn an estimated $33,000- $48,000 a year

Chef Assistants also earn between $26,000- $36000 a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a culinary school in Houston?

The time to complete this education training ranges from 2.5 weeks to 2 years, depending on the qualification, with a median time to completion of 2 years. 

The cost to attend Culinary Institute Lenotre ranges from $10,000 to $75,000, depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $45,000.

How long is culinary school in Houston?

1 year

1 year of program completion.

Where do chefs get paid the most?

According to a study published in 2022, Switzerland was the world’s best-paying country for chefs and head cooks between 2019 and 2020. 

In those years, a cook in a European country could earn on average more than 56 thousand U.S. dollars annually.

How long is a culinary school in Texas?

Austin Community College – Austin.

Culinary Arts, Culinarian and Pastry Arts are certificate programs that can be completed in under a year. 

An Associate’s in Culinary Arts will keep you on campus for two years, but your education will be expanded to include management and core skills proficiency.

How do you become a chef in Texas?

Culinary programs at schools in Texas include certificate programs, Associate degrees and Bachelor’s degrees.

A Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts will provide you with the most well-rounded curriculum, including classes in prep cutting, food presentation and design, basic cooking techniques and recipes, and management.

How much is Culinary Arts?

In addition to traditionally high tuition rates, the costs of culinary schools are also rapidly rising. 

Currently, culinary school tuition typically costs over $30,000. That’s a steep price for most students to consider, forcing many students to utilize financial aid.

Conclusion

Therefore, pick one of the aforementioned institutions, learn more about it, and then submit an application. 

You must approach cautiously because applications for various institutions vary. 

The correct Culinary school will help your career take off and put you on the way to success.

Good luck!!

References 

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