Choosing a School
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There are many factors to consider when choosing a culinary school. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
- Read!
- The Guide to Cooking Schools - A comprehensive listing of culinary schools with program types, tuition costs, faculty and contacts. Also includes information on cooking vacations and recreational cooking.
- A Guide to College Programs in Culinary Arts - Although this guide is far from comprehensive, it has a good introduction to career prospects in the culinary arts, and includes such items as career ladders, typical organization charts, and many scholarship listings.
- Visit the list of Colleges and Universities on the MHEF website.
- Take advantage of all job fairs offered at your school.
- Visit the campuses when you can.
Considerations when choosing a school or program:
- Amount of money you have to spend
- Time needed to complete the program
- The availability of scholarships and financial aid programs
- Whether you can attend on a part-time basis, including evenings and weekends.
- Visit the school, tour the facilities, talk to students and graduates, discuss scholarships and financial aid programs, and above all, ask questions. Do they have a job placement program? Where have their graduates gone to work?
- What is the student to faculty ratio? Is most of the teaching hands-on, or demonstration?
- How much time is actually spent cooking as opposed to lecture?
- Is there sufficient oven space, counter space and pots and pans for all students?
- If the school operates its own restaurant, try to eat there.
- Is there a library?
- Are the facilities clean and well-lit? (You are not just learning how to cook, you are learning how to run a kitchen.)
Paying for School
Another important consideration when choosing a school is the cost.
- When weighing your choices, ask whether the school offers scholarships, and if so, get a copy of the criteria and application.
- Visit the MHEF.org Scholarships and Awards page. This is a comprehensive listing of culinary and restaurant management scholarships available to Maryland students.
- Consider Financial Aid.
- The Federal Pell Grant permits students to continue their post-high school education. Unlike student loans, Pell Grants do not have to be repaid.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants supplement money received under Pell Grants.
- The Federal Stafford Student Loan Program permits students to borrow money toward their schooling. Interest is charged on this loan and the repayment schedule is based on whether the loan is subsidized or unsubsidized.
- The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students allows parents to receive funds to pay for educational costs.
- You may be able to enroll in a Work/Study program.
