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2022 Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Culinary Arts

428 Colleges in the United States
7,304 Associate Degrees
$24,331 Avg Early-Career Salary
Culinary Arts is of the hottest associate degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #16 most popular major in the country. This means there are lots of options to choose from when you decide to get your degree.

College Factual looked at 428 colleges and universities when compiling its 2022 Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Culinary Arts ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 7,304 associate degrees in culinary arts to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Culinary Arts School for Your Associate Degree

Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Culinary Arts The culinary arts associate degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. As an aid in helping you pick the right school for you, we created our Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Culinary Arts ranking.

Being popular does not always equate to overall quality, but a school with a large number of culinary arts students usually has them for a reason. Sometimes this is because the school offers a great educational experience, it is a good value, or it is highly focused on the program.

More Ways to Rank Culinary Arts Schools

Bachelor's Degrees in Culinary Arts
Master's Degrees in Culinary Arts
Doctor's Degrees in Culinary Arts
Overall Popularity in Culinary Arts

We have also developed a number of other rankings to help guide you in your decision-making process. To begin with, if this is not the degree level you are most interested in, you may want to check out one of the others noted above. If you would prefer to limit your search to a specific state or region of the county, see our rankings by location. Plus, you can view our other rankings for culinary arts.


 

Below you'll see a list of the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing an associate degree in culinary arts. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Culinary Arts Students Working on Their Associate

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504 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#1 Best Quality In NY

Every student pursuing a degree in an associate degree in culinary arts needs to check out Culinary Institute of America. The Culinary Institute of America is a small private not-for-profit school located in the large suburb of Hyde Park. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in New York.

There were roughly 504 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at The Culinary Institute of America in the most recent data year.

Those culinary arts students who get their associate degree from Culinary Institute of America receive $6,869 more than the standard culinary arts graduate.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Culinary Institute of America

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273 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In RI
#1 Best Quality In RI

Johnson & Wales University - Providence is one of the most popular schools in the country for getting an associate degree in culinary arts. JWU Providence is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Providence. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Rhode Island.

There were approximately 273 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at JWU Providence in the most recent data year.

Associate students who receive their degree from the culinary arts program make about $25,900 in their early career salary.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University - Providence

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233 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#18 Best Quality In TX

Any student who is interested in an associate degree in culinary arts has to check out Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Austin. Escoffier - Austin is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large city of Austin.

There were approximately 233 culinary arts students who graduated with this degree at Escoffier - Austin in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts - Austin

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203 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NC
#1 Best Quality In NC

Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte is a popular choice for individuals interested in an associate degree in culinary arts. JWU Charlotte is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Charlotte. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in North Carolina.

There were about 203 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at JWU Charlotte in the most recent data year.

Associate students who receive their degree from the culinary arts program make around $25,900 for their early career.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte

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ECPI University crest
ECPI University
Virginia Beach, VA
155 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In VA
#1 Best Quality In VA

Located in the large city of Virginia Beach, ECPI University is a private for-profit university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Virginia.

There were about 155 culinary arts students who graduated with this degree at ECPI University in the most recent year we have data available.

Associate students who receive their degree from the culinary arts program earn an average of $20,900 in their early career salary.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from ECPI University

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130 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In FL
#2 Best Quality In FL

Located in the large suburb of North Miami, JWU North Miami is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Florida.

There were about 130 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at JWU North Miami in the most recent data year.

Associate students who receive their degree from the culinary arts program make an average of $25,900 in their early career salary.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University - North Miami

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Sullivan University crest
Sullivan University
Louisville, KY
117 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In KY
#1 Best Quality In KY

Located in the large city of Louisville, Sullivan University is a private for-profit university with a small student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Kentucky.

There were about 117 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Sullivan University in the most recent year we have data available.

Associate graduates who receive their degree from the culinary arts program make an average of $25,200 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Sullivan University

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116 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In VA
#7 Best Quality In VA

Located in the midsize city of Fairfax, Stratford University is a private for-profit university with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #7 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Virginia.

There were roughly 116 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Stratford University in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their associate from the culinary arts program report average early career earnings of $20,400.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Stratford University

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113 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In TX
#19 Best Quality In TX

Culinary Institute LeNotre is a fairly small private for-profit school located in the large city of Houston.

There were roughly 113 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Culinary Institute LeNotre in the most recent year we have data available.

Those culinary arts students who get their associate degree from Culinary Institute Inc earn $2,269 more than the typical culinary arts graduate.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Culinary Institute Inc

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Valencia College crest
Valencia College
Orlando, FL
102 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In FL
#1 Best Quality In FL

Valencia College is a very large public college located in the large city of Orlando. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Florida.

There were about 102 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Valencia College in the most recent year we have data available.

Soon after graduation, culinary arts associate recipients generally earn an average of $26,200 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Valencia College

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82 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#3 Best Quality In NY

Located in the rural area of Sanborn, Niagara County Community College is a public college with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in New York.

There were roughly 82 culinary arts students who graduated with this degree at Niagara County Community College in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their associate from the culinary arts program report average early career wages of $22,300.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Niagara County Community College

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80 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CO
#1 Best Quality In CO

Located in the large city of Denver, JWU Denver is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Colorado.

There were roughly 80 culinary arts students who graduated with this degree at JWU Denver in the most recent year we have data available.

Associate graduates who receive their degree from the culinary arts program make about $25,900 in their early career salary.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University - Denver

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Monroe College crest
Monroe College
Bronx, NY
78 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In NY
#4 Best Quality In NY

Monroe College is a moderately-sized private for-profit college located in the large city of Bronx. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in New York.

There were roughly 78 culinary arts students who graduated with this degree at Monroe College in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their associate from the culinary arts program report average early career wages of $19,200.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Monroe College

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Helms College crest
Helms College
Macon, GA
70 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In GA
#16 Best Quality In GA

Located in the midsize city of Macon, Helms College is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

There were about 70 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Helms College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Helms College

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68 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In FL
#3 Best Quality In FL

Located in the midsize city of Fort Lauderdale, Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Florida.

There were about 68 culinary arts students who graduated with this degree at Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale in the most recent year we have data available.

Associate students who receive their degree from the culinary arts program earn an average of $24,500 in their early career salary.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale

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61 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In HI
#1 Best Quality In HI

Located in the large city of Honolulu, Kapiolani CC is a public college with a medium-sized student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Hawaii.

There were about 61 culinary arts students who graduated with this degree at Kapiolani CC in the most recent data year.

Culinary Arts associate degree recipients from Kapiolani Community College get an earnings boost of approximately $4,969 above the typical income of culinary arts majors.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Kapiolani Community College

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60 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IL
#1 Best Quality In IL

NLU is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Illinois.

There were about 60 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at NLU in the most recent data year.

Culinary Arts associate degree recipients from National Louis University receive an earnings boost of about $4,369 over the average income of culinary arts majors.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from National Louis University

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58 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In IL
#2 Best Quality In IL

Joliet Junior College is a fairly large public college located in the suburb of Joliet. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Illinois.

There were approximately 58 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Joliet Junior College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Joliet Junior College

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UNE crest
Universidad del Este
Carolina, PR
56 Annual Associate Degrees
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
$19,900 Median Salary

Located in the large suburb of Carolina, UNE is a private not-for-profit school with a moderately-sized student population.

There were approximately 56 culinary arts students who graduated with this degree at UNE in the most recent year we have data available.

Soon after graduation, culinary arts associate recipients typically earn about $19,900 in their early careers.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Universidad del Este

20
53 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In PA
#9 Best Quality In PA

Located in the city of Philadelphia, The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College is a private for-profit college with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #9 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 53 culinary arts students who graduated with this degree at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in the most recent data year.

Associate students who receive their degree from the culinary arts program earn about $25,100 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College

20
53 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In TX
#7 Best Quality In TX

Houston Community College is a very large public college located in the city of Houston. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #7 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Texas.

There were roughly 53 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Houston Community College in the most recent data year.

Associate students who receive their degree from the culinary arts program earn around $19,100 for their early career.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Houston Community College

22
51 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AR
#2 Best Quality In AR

Located in the city of North Little Rock, UA Pulaski Tech is a public university with a small student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Arkansas.

There were about 51 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at UA Pulaski Tech in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College

23
49 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OH
#1 Best Quality In OH

Cincinnati State is a moderately-sized public college located in the large city of Cincinnati. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Ohio.

There were about 49 culinary arts students who graduated with this degree at Cincinnati State in the most recent data year.

Associate recipients from the culinary arts degree program at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College get $3,369 more than the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

24
PPCC crest
Pikes Peak Community College
Colorado Springs, CO
48 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CO
#2 Best Quality In CO

PPCC is a large public college located in the suburb of Colorado Springs. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in Colorado.

There were approximately 48 culinary arts students who graduated with this degree at PPCC in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduation, culinary arts associate recipients generally make an average of $23,000 in their early careers.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Pikes Peak Community College

24
48 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NJ
#1 Best Quality In NJ

HCCC is a moderately-sized public college located in the city of Jersey City. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in culinary arts in New Jersey.

There were roughly 48 culinary arts individuals who graduated with this degree at HCCC in the most recent data year.

Associate graduates who receive their degree from the culinary arts program make around $23,700 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a associate in culinary arts from Hudson County Community College

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30
Baker College crest
Baker College
Owosso, MI
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36
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St Philip's College crest
St Philip's College
San Antonio, TX
38
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX
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Long Beach City College crest
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
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Additional Award Winners

This list shows the rest of the colleges awarded a Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Culinary Arts badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 15% of the 428 different United States culinary arts schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 The Art Institute of Dallas Dallas, TX
51 South Texas College McAllen, TX
53 NorthWest Arkansas Community College Bentonville, AR
54 Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WI
54 Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology Okmulgee, OK
54 Cypress College Cypress, CA
54 Los Angeles Mission College Sylmar, CA
54 Pittsburgh Technical College Oakdale, PA
54 Saint Louis Community College Saint Louis, MO
54 Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL
61 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston, MS
61 Scottsdale Community College Scottsdale, AZ
63 Metropolitan Community College Omaha, NE
63 Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IA
63 Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NC
63 Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NM
63 Kalamazoo Valley Community College Kalamazoo, MI
63 Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Dover, DE

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Culinary Arts students that almost earned our Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Culinary Arts award.

Rank College Location
69 San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TX
69 University of Hawaii Maui College Kahului, HI
69 Greenville Technical College Greenville, SC
72 Orange Coast College Costa Mesa, CA
72 Macomb Community College Warren, MI
72 Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MI
75 Manchester Community College Manchester, CT
75 Erie Community College Buffalo, NY
75 Anne Arundel Community College Arnold, MD
75 Westmoreland County Community College Youngwood, PA
75 Cuyahoga Community College District Cleveland, OH
80 Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MI
80 Alfred State College Alfred, NY
80 Hinds Community College Raymond, MS
83 College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, IL
83 Lee College Baytown, TX
83 Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI
83 American River College Sacramento, CA

Culinary Arts by Region

View the Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Culinary Arts for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Culinary Arts is one of 3 different types of Personal & Culinary Services programs to choose from.

Culinary Arts Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Culinary Arts/Chef Training 4,189
Baking & Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef 1,394
General Cooking & Related Culinary Arts 916
Restaurant, Culinary, & Catering Management/Manager 635
Institutional Food Workers 74
Other Culinary Arts & Related Services 71
Food Preparation/Professional Cooking/Kitchen Assistant 12
Wine Steward/Sommelier 8
Meat Cutting/Meat Cutter 4
Food Service, Waiter/Waitress, & Dining Room Management/Manager 1

Majors Similar to Culinary Arts

Related Major Annual Graduates
Funeral & Mortuary Science 1,398
Cosmetology 992
Other Personal & Culinary Services 3

Notes and References

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