15 Best Culinary Schools in Illinois | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply

The Culinary schools in Illinois are a great place to add further knowledge and certification to your culinary interest.

Culinary schools in Illinois teach culinary students to learn how to distinguish and harmonize flavors. They also expose them to ingredients.

Thus, this article shall be looking at the top culinary schools in Illinois as well as the costs, requirements and how to apply.

Are there Culinary Schools in Illinois?

Yes, there are plethoras of culinary schools in Illinois.

The culinary schools in Illinois are;

  • The French Pastry School
  • The Chopping Block
  • Cozymeal Cooking School
  • Richland Community College-Decatur, Illinois
  • Southwestern Illinois College-Granite City, Illinois
  • Illinois Central College-East Peoria, Illinois
  • Moraine Valley Community College-Palos Hills, Illinois
  • Joliet Junior College-Joliet, Illinois
  • College of DuPage-Glen Ellyn
  • The International Culinary School At the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, Illinois
  • Lincoln Land Community College 
  • Kendall College
  • Harper College
  • Saint Augustine Community College
  • Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute and French Pastry School at Kennedy-King College-Chicago, Illinois

How Much Do Culinary Schools Cost in Illinois?

Roosevelt University costs a net price of $22,856 per year.

College of Lake County Illinois costs approximately $3,940 a year.

Elgin Community College costs a net price of $4,159 payable every academic session

Augustana College Illinois costs $24,233 a year.

Richland Community College costs a net price of $6,067 a year.

Lincoln Land Community College costs $5,495 per year.

Saint Augustine College costs $13,389 per academic session.

Triton College costs $5,987 every year.

Harper College costs a net price of $8,874 a year.

What are the Requirements for Culinary Schools in Illinois?

Notably, all the culinary schools in Illinois accept online applications. 

Common prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED certificate and academic transcripts. 

Also, culinary schools in Illinois require letters of recommendation and SAT/ACT scores. They can help applicants stand out.

What are the Best Culinary Schools in Illinois?

1. The French Pastry School 

In the field of culinary arts, pastry meals have grown significantly in popularity. At least four programs about making cupcakes are available on “The Food Network.” 

One of the best culinary schools in Illinois for pastry is the French Pastry School at Kennedy King College. 

For its students, it offers two separate curricula. The 24-week L’Art de la Pâtisserie program is also offered. 

The program emphasizes cleanliness as well as a variety of baking-related topics, including its theory, history, and science. 

Furthermore, The L’Art du Gateau program lasts for only 16 weeks. It is intended for anyone with an interest in cake baking and decorating.

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2. The Chopping Block

This Culinary school is one of the biggest Culinary Schools in Illinois.

It focuses on a variety of culinary topics, including baking, cooking in the house, making vegetarian meals, cooking according to the seasons, and much more. 

Also, several of the best culinary arts instructors in the world teach at The Chopping Block, including Lillian Chou, a writer, chef, and food stylist. 

Moreover, to demonstrate its commitment to practical learning, the Chopping Block regularly throws private parties to provide its students with practical catering experience.

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3. Cozymeal Cooking School

Since Cozymeal provides everything needed to succeed as a chef or restaurateur, it is not only one of the Culinary schools in Illinois but also one of the best. 

Cozymeal will assist students in achieving their objectives and turning them into a reality, offering everything from expert training to equipment rentals and catering services. 

The chefs at Cozymeal are accomplished professionals who understand what it takes to be successful in the food industry. 

Also, once training is complete, the instructors teach everything from knife skills to menu creation to owning and running a restaurant or catering company. 

Additionally, Cozymeal’s teachers have decades of combined expertise, so they are knowledgeable about what it takes for students to succeed.

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4. College of DuPage-Glen Ellyn

While the DuPage culinary arts program is fascinating, it can be difficult at the same time. 

Its students receive a great deal of individualized training in small classes. The school offers courses on the weekends, during the day, and in the evening. 

Also, there are numerous options to learn at DuPage, including a skills room on campus, a chocolate factory, and a culinary amphitheater.

In addition, students take cooking classes together with the ones that teach management, supervision, and kitchen upkeep. 

Practical experience is gained by cooking in the Wheat Cafe and the upscale Waterleaf restaurant, two student-run kitchens on campus. 

It should therefore be noted that the greatest method to learn about the culinary world is through hands-on experience and classroom instruction.

These are reasons why this College is one of the most prestigious Culinary schools in Illinois.

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5. Moraine Valley Community college

The Moraine Valley culinary program trains its Culinary students to work in a wide variety of hospitality settings. 

Enrolling in a certificate program is another quick way to acquire a culinary education as students learn to work in restaurants, hotels, catering settings and even hospitals. 

Also, the skills and knowledge necessary to fully understand the hospitality field are gained for job positions.

Moreover, for individuals who desire to learn more about this particular area of the hospitality industry, the Hotel Restaurant program is special and one-of-a-kind. 

Hence, there are huge chances of succeeding in the culinary industry with simply a Moraine Valley Community College degree.

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

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6. Lincoln Land Community College

Lincoln Land Community College equips its students to be the best candidates in Culinary jobs they compete for.

An associate’s degree program in Culinary arts trains students for jobs as line cooks or pastry chefs. 

Also, students are able to take on a managerial position in the kitchen if you take leadership and financial management courses. 

Furthermore, with both cooking instruction and a necessary internship program, there is a strong emphasis on food production and preparation in this college.

In conclusion, Lincoln Land College teaches its students everything they need to know about the culinary arts.

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

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7. Harper College

This college provides a 32-credit Culinary Arts Certificate program for those who want to work in the food service sector. 

Also, after completing the program, students who are eligible for an apprenticeship program can find full-time employment and graduate debt-free. 

In addition, graduates of the culinary school are prepared to work in restaurants in entry-level roles like cook or chef’s assistant.

This is a good reason why it is one of the best Culinary schools in Illinois to be part of. 

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8. Saint Augustine Community college

This College is one of the top-ranked Culinary Schools in Illinois and it equips its students with core abilities required to land a lucrative job in the food service sector. 

Also, a culinary arts associate’s degree from Saint Augustine College can help students land jobs in eateries, hotels, and other businesses. 

Furthermore, those who successfully finish the degree can also earn an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts. 

Lastly, graduates with experience in the kitchen can begin working as sous chefs, first cooks, and line cooks.

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9. Kendall College

It is no news that occasionally, the most prestigious colleges offer the best education. 

One of the most renowned and admired colleges in Illinois is Kendall College. 

For decades, students have been motivated by their selection of top-notch programs. The same holds true for their culinary arts curriculum. 

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Consequently, an In-depth study of the foundations and essential methods of culinary arts is conducted over the course of a rigorous four-year curriculum. 

The Culinary program emphasizes a variety of cooking techniques, but particularly those used in other countries. 

Also, Kendall University graduates learn to be familiar with Middle Eastern, European, and Latin American cuisines. 

In conclusion, to give students a foundation in effective restaurant management, Kendall offers courses in the restaurant sector.

This is a good reason why it is one of the best Culinary Schools in Illinois.

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10. Joliet Junior College-Joliet, Illinois

Joliet Junior College is a place to attain a top-notch education at one of the most prestigious Culinary schools in Chicago.

The culinary arts department at Joliet College has a broad curriculum that teaches students a variety of cooking methods, pastry and baking skills, sanitary management, nutrition, costing, and more. 

Also, some of the most renowned chefs with international accolades are taught by them. 

The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, Inc. The Accrediting Commission has granted the Culinary Arts Program at Joliet College accreditation.

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11. Richland Community College-Decatur, Illinois

For students who desire to work in the culinary arts, Richland Community College’s certified culinary program offers a wide range of opportunities. 

Students can obtain an AAS in Culinary Arts, which includes a practicum and coursework in professional speaking and human relations. 

Also, certificate programs involve foundational coursework as well as specific courses relating to the program of study and can be completed in less time. 

In this practical course, students learn how to use a variety of cutting-edge kitchen appliances and develop fundamental culinary skills. 

Furthermore, the Bistro Five Thirty-Seven gives students an additional chance to put their knowledge into practice and get practical experience in a working setting.

This is a good reason why it is one of the best culinary schools in Illinois.

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12. Southwestern Illinois College-Granite City, Illinois

For students looking to enter the culinary industry as entry-level professionals, Southwestern Illinois College offers culinary arts and food management degrees. 

Degree and certificate programs are available from this well-regarded, accredited culinary school, which also provides courses taught by knowledgeable instructors with previous restaurant and hospitality industry experience. 

Also, modern cooking tools and workspaces are available to students, who can practice their technique while learning in a hands-on setting.

In addition, Students who are interested in participating in further professional development opportunities might join the Culinary Arts Club, which takes part in regional and national contests.

This is a good reason why it is one of the top culinary schools in Illinois.

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13. Illinois Central College-East Peoria, Illinois

At Illinois Central College, culinary students have the chance to complete their AAS degree in a cutting-edge kitchen setting, giving them the chance to learn and practice their talents in a commercial kitchen. 

The 67-credit program includes courses in cost management, hospitality management, and food service nutrition. 

Furthermore, the AAS program includes a mandatory internship that gives students the opportunity to build their professional resumes. 

Additionally, students can work at extracurricular activities and cater events as part of the culinary curriculum at ICC to get a variety of experiences.

This is a good reason why it is one of the best culinary schools in Illinois.

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14. The International Culinary School At the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, Illinois

The International School of Culinary Arts, Illinois Institute of Art, which is situated in the center of Chicago, gives students fascinating chances to engage with others and showcase their culinary skills. 

Students and teachers are getting involved to use the culinary arts to improve the community, whether they are cooking meals to help people go from homelessness to self-sufficiency or serving food to collect money for the food bank. 

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Furthermore, to succeed in entry-level roles in the culinary sector, students learn culinary preparation methods and business management abilities in the AAS degree program.

This is a good reason why it is one of the best culinary schools in Illinois.

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15. Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute and French Pastry School at Kennedy-King College-Chicago, Illinois

One of the oldest culinary schools in the nation, Washburne Culinary and Hospitality Institute and French Pastry School offers a wide range of curriculum options for culinary students. 

In order for students to succeed in the sector, faculty members provide mentoring and assistance since they are skilled professionals in the field. 

Notably, the demands of the courses are severe, and they mirror those that students could encounter in a workplace setting. 

Moreover, graduates are equipped to work at some of the best dining facilities and restaurants in the nation.

This is a good reason why it is one of the best culinary schools in Illinois.

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How Much Do Cooks Make in Illinois?

Cooks in Illinois make an average of $25955 per year. The average annual wage ranges from $23643 to $32381.

How Do I Become a Cook in Illinois?

To become a cook inIllinois, there are conditions that should be satisfied. These conditions are;

  • Obtain a high school Diploma or GED
  • Apply to a entry-level restaurant or kitchen to improve on skills 
  • Attend a Culinary school
  • Get practical work experience 
  • Obtain higher certifications

Best Paying Culinary Jobs in  Illinois with Salary

Food services specialists in Illinois make $74K – $96K yearly.

A personal chef makes $23.00 an hour in Illinois 

A culinary apprentice earns $32K – $38K yearly

In Illinois, a task force Chef gets paid $80K – $90K per annum.

A catering director makes $87K – $95K a year in Illinois.

An executive chef earns $90K – $120K on a yearly basis in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does culinary school cost in Illinois?

School Information:
Overall, the average cost of tuition in Illinois is $9,497, which is partially offset by the average scholarship award of $2,765. With an average acceptance rate of 58%, it is clear that there are some schools with competitive admissions processes.

How long does Chicago cooking school last? 

Culinary Management Bachelor of Arts 
A demanding culinary foundation is combined with a strong foundation in business, hospitality, and general education to create Kendall’s bachelor in culinary management, a four-year* degree.

How long is a culinary school course?

Le Cordon Bleu London offers a full 12-month schedule of culinary short courses ranging from two hours to three weeks long, across cuisine, pastry and wine.

What state has the best culinary school?

Location: New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA
ICE is ranked the number one culinary school in America, according to USA Today. It is quite a fantastic school, offering diploma programs in culinary arts and baking and pastry.

What subjects are covered in culinary school? 

Culinary students learn how to distinguish and harmonize flavours. Experiencing components you may not have previously used will aid in the development of new flavour perceptions. You can confidently make foods, evaluate dishes, and season to perfection by refining your taste.

Conclusion

This article has also shown that in higher education in Culinary arts, lots of options exist for students to choose from the Culinary schools in Illinois.

Therefore, commence an extensive study of the best Culinary schools in Chicago and select the school that you feel would help groom and develop your career.

References

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