ONLINE CULINARY SCHOOL AVAILABLE IN CHICAGO

Enrolling in online culinary school from Chicago takes about 10 minutes on Escoffier’s convenient online platform. For a detailed overview of the enrollment steps, check out our guide, “How to Get into Culinary School,” or contact the Admissions Department for personalized help.

We accept applications year-round. To apply, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• Your location and demographic details
• Emergency contact information
• The program you’re interested in
• Proof of graduation
• A valid driver’s license, passport, or photo ID

After filling out your application, you’ll need to submit it. Following this, you will receive an enrollment agreement packet via DocuSign.

After your application is reviewed, an Admissions Team member will contact you to discuss the next steps. This is also a good time to speak with the Student Finance Department about financing options. Financial aid is available to those who apply and qualify, which can make education accessible to many students.

Yes, to enroll in online culinary school at Escoffier while living in Chicago, you must provide proof of high school completion or an equivalent qualification before your planned start date.

Chicago students can fulfill this requirement through one of the following options:

• A high school diploma or transcript
• Passing a high school equivalency exam such as the GED, HSED, HiSet, or TASC
• Documentation showing you have passed a state-authorized examination recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma
• An official college transcript from an accredited institution showing completion of an Associate degree or higher
• Completion of 60 college semester credits or 90 college quarter credits from an accredited institution
• A state-recognized homeschool certificate of completion
• Homeschool documentation required by local or state agencies, including notification to the required agency, academic transcripts, and proof of graduation
• A DD-214 form for U.S. veterans, indicating high school equivalency

For students in Chicago, see the costs for all programs. Financial aid is available for eligible students who apply and qualify.

To learn more about the financial aid process and to speak with a financial advisor, please contact us.

Yes, financial aid is available for students who apply and qualify for culinary school from Chicago.

In the 2022-2023 academic year, most first-time postsecondary students at Escoffier who met the eligibility criteria received some form of financial assistance. We encourage prospective students to contact our Financial Aid Department to determine their eligibility for grants or federally-backed loans.

Escoffier also offers scholarships for qualifying online students, such as the Work & Learn Scholarships, the Student Veteran Scholarship, and various merit-based scholarships.

Explore the available scholarships and see if you qualify.

Escoffier is accredited in Chicago! Escoffier is the only U.S.-accredited institution offering 100% online diplomas and degrees nationwide with culinary classes and hands-on industry externships.*

Our online programs are managed through the Boulder campus. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado, is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).

Furthermore, the school is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), Division of Private Occupational Schools. The Boulder campus is also authorized by the CDHE to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

This accreditation was achieved through meticulous curriculum development and the recruitment of faculty specialized in online education. This is essential for Escoffier’s culinary arts programs, which are offered entirely online and include in-person industry externships.

*Our Boulder, CO campus is the only accredited institution in the United States to offer both fully online diploma and degree programs nationwide with culinary classes and hands-on industry externships. We are accredited by ACCET – A Partnership for Quality®. ACCET is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

Ranked one of the best food cities in the United States, Chicago’s food scene is renowned for its diversity, featuring world-class restaurants, vibrant food festivals, and innovative dining experiences.

For graduates with a culinary arts degree or diploma in Chicago, the city’s dynamic culinary landscape can offer numerous job opportunities. Here are some possible career paths in Chicago:

Chefs and Kitchen Staff: Chicago’s dining scene, particularly in neighborhoods like River North, West Loop, and Pilsen, is teeming with innovative and established restaurants. This culinary diversity may offer numerous job opportunities for graduates, spanning a wide range of cuisines from classic deep-dish pizza and hot dogs to contemporary fusion and upscale dining.

Pastry Chefs: Specialty bakeries and patisseries in Chicago, especially those focusing on unique and high-quality baked goods, often seek inventive pastry chefs. The city’s thriving bakery scene can provide an excellent platform for pastry chefs to showcase their talents.

Catering and Event Chefs: Chicago’s vibrant social, corporate, and cultural event scene can offer numerous opportunities for chefs specializing in catering. Roles in this sector typically require skills in menu planning, large-scale food production, and client service, with events frequently held in renowned venues such as Navy Pier and Millennium Park.

Food and Beverage Managers in Hotels: As a major tourist destination, Chicago boasts numerous luxury hotels that may need experienced food and beverage directors to manage their dining establishments. These roles often involve overseeing hotel restaurants, bars, and room service operations.

To discover more culinary job opportunities that could be available to you, check out our article, 13 Great Culinary Careers in the Food Industry.

While pursuing a career as a chef in Chicago, gaining a culinary education along with practical experience in the field can be helpful for establishing yourself. Here are some important steps that you can take to pursue this career.

Culinary Education: The online culinary arts program at Escoffier offers a comprehensive education in culinary techniques and kitchen management, enabling you to learn essential skills and advance your education remotely. This program also includes an in-person industry externship, providing invaluable practical experience for an aspiring chef.

Gain Local Experience: Complement your online studies with hands-on experience in Chicago’s dynamic culinary scene, which features a wide range of restaurants, from contemporary eateries to fine dining establishments. Externships in these settings can reinforce the skills learned in your courses.

Start with Entry-Level Positions: Beginning as a line cook or prep cook in Chicago’s restaurants can help solidify your basic skills and expose you to the real-world pressures of a professional kitchen. This experience is crucial for building a career in the culinary arts.

Network in Chicago: Leveraging Chicago’s culinary scene for networking can significantly enhance your career prospects. Participate in local food festivals, culinary competitions, and industry conferences. Joining professional associations, such as the American Culinary Federation’s Chicago chapter, can provide valuable connections with local chefs and restaurateurs.

Combining online education with local experience can help prepare you for a successful culinary career in Chicago. For an in-depth guide to pursuing this career, check out our Essential Guide to Becoming a Chef.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in the United States, the median salary for chefs and head cooks in Chicago is approximately $62,080 as of May 2023.

When choosing between the Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations and the Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts at Escoffier, it’s important to understand that neither program is automatically better for securing a high-paying job in the culinary industry in Chicago. The best choice depends on your career goals, the level of education you want, and the specific culinary skills you wish to acquire.

Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations: This program focuses on the essential skills needed to work in a professional kitchen, covering fundamental cooking techniques and basic management skills. It usually takes less time to complete than an associate degree, making it an ideal choice if you want to quickly enter the workforce and start gaining practical experience.

Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts: This degree provides a more in-depth education, including both culinary skills and a broader understanding of culinary arts management. It covers not only culinary techniques but also restaurant operations, foodservice accounting, and business communications. This program can be particularly beneficial if you are considering management roles or planning to run your own culinary business.

Both programs offer valuable education and training for pursuing high-paying jobs. Key factors for achieving a high-paying chef position include taking advantage of networking opportunities in Chicago’s culinary scene, your personal motivation, and applying your skills in real-world settings. Additionally, gaining experience through externships and ongoing professional development is essential, regardless of which degree you choose.

Yes, attending online culinary school at Escoffier can offer job search assistance to students in Chicago upon graduation. The Career Services team offers coaching and resources to help students achieve their career aspirations and connect with employers who match their professional goals.

At Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, students can benefit from Career Services support throughout their studies and can continue to receive this assistance even after they have graduated.

Niche has ranked Escoffier the #1 best college for culinary arts in America and by conclusion one of the best culinary schools you can attend if you are living in Chicago, Illinois. Our school is renowned for its Chef Instructors, comprehensive curriculum, and commitment to sustainable and farm-to-table practices. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, from fundamental cooking techniques and foodservice management to business skills and diverse culinary concepts.

Moreover, our programs include practical industry externships, providing essential hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting.

In addition to our online culinary programs, Escoffier offers online courses in Baking and Pastry Arts, Food Entrepreneurship, Plant-Based Culinary Arts, Holistic Nutrition & Wellness, and Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management.

For those considering a culinary arts career in Chicago, enrolling in online culinary school at Escoffier can be an excellent choice.

To discover more about what makes our school unique, read our article on what you need to know about culinary school at Escoffier.