Culinary Arts Schools in New Orleans, Louisiana

Chefs in New Orleans, Louisiana, have several employment opportunities, enjoy a favorable future projection from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and are well-rewarded with competitive salaries and yearly earnings. What’s more, professionals in this field in the city also have no shortage of training programs to consider for comprehensive education.

The list below aims to introduce interested candidates to the very best programs to consider when starting their culinary arts career in New Orleans. All the entries on the list were chosen after careful consideration of quality criteria, including curriculum makeup, learning structure, hands-on training possibilities, real-world experience, and career services.

Readers will also find information on possible tuition fees, admission requirements, and other helpful details.

How to Become a Chef in New Orleans

Chefs in New Orleans and across Louisiana need only a food handler’s license to secure employment and practice their profession. They don’t need to attend an academic training program, but doing so can be very beneficial for career opportunities, which is why it is so popular.

Of course, the best academic programs have kitchens and laboratories for practical education. Still, participants are usually encouraged to work in an actual food service establishment, gaining real-world confidence before securing full-time employment.

Certification is another optional step that can help candidates improve their career potential. The American Culinary Federation’s Certified Culinarian credential is a highly sought-after and well-respected option for professionals in the culinary field.

Top Culinary Arts Schools in New Orleans, Louisiana

Candidates may consider any of the institutions below for a robust culinary arts education in New Orleans.

#Louisiana

New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute

New Orleans, LA Campus Only

New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute offers culinary arts, baking, and pastry arts programs for interested individuals in New Orleans and across the state. The school prioritizes personalized and empathetic education, providing technical proficiency while enhancing essential skills such as communication, listening, and adaptability.

Tuition

$16,000 per Program

Contact

(504) 635-0011
admissions@nochi.org

#Louisiana

Louisiana Culinary Institute

Baton Rouge, LA Campus Only

Louisiana Culinary Institute in Baton Rouge offers an accelerated 16-month training program to help candidates become the best chefs, cooks, and culinary artists they can be. The program has been ranked among the best in the country and includes financial aid and scholarships.

Tuition

$15,575 per Year

Contact

(225) 769-8820
info@lci.edu

#Louisiana

Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, LA Campus Only

Nicholls State University offers an excellent culinary arts program that has been producing successful graduates for decades. Offered by the school's Chef John Folse Culinary Institute, interested individuals may choose to pursue an Associate of Science or a Bachelor of Science degree.

Tuition

$205 per Credit

Contact

(985) 448-4507
nicholls@nicholls.edu

#Louisiana

South Louisiana Community College

Lafayette, LA Campus Only

South Louisiana Community College offers a culinary arts and occupation program that prepares participants for professional careers in several areas of the food service industry. Accredited by the American Culinary Federation, the program's graduates are usually well-versed in both theoretical and practical principles.

Tuition

$133 per Credit

Contact

(337) 521-9622
admissions@solacc.edu

#Louisiana

SOWELA Technical Community College

Lake Charles, LA Campus + Online

SOWELA Technical Community College's culinary arts program stands out due to its immersive, real-world education and numerous opportunities for industry certification. Graduates earn either an associate degree or a certificate, with possible concentrations in baking and pastry arts and culinary medicine.

Tuition

$133 per Credit

Contact

(800) 256-0483
onestop@sowela.edu

#Louisiana

Delgado Community College

New Orleans, LA Campus Only

Delgado Community College in New Orleans is another excellent destination for culinary arts training. The program has been in existence for decades and boasts a highly experienced faculty, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 12 to 1, ensuring personalized attention.