15 Best Culinary Schools In North Carolina | Cost, Requirement, How To Apply

In mastering the art of food preparation and presentation, attending any of the culinary schools in North Carolina should be at the top of your list.

The North Carolina culinary school introduces students to the art of food preparation and presentation, enhancing their professional level by having them contribute to the management of the kitchen.

Moreover, due to the daily advancement of the world today, varieties of cooking styles, recipes, and new ingredients enter daily.

Accordingly, North Carolina offers you the best culinary school there is.

This article enlightens you specifically about the best culinary school in North Carolina.

Are There Culinary Schools In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, there are quite numerous culinary schools.

Practically there is a culinary school in all the cities of North Carolina available to students enthusiastic about the art of cooking and improving their culinary skills to a higher level of professionalism. 

Below are most of the culinary schools and their located cities in North Carolina they include:

  • Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College. – Asheville
  • Appalachian State University. – Boone
  • Campbell University. – Buies Creek
  • Johnson and Wales University Charlotte. – Charlotte
  • Central Piedmont Community College. – Charlotte
  • King’s College. – Charlotte
  • The Art Institute of Charlotte. – Charlotte
  • Western Carolina University. – Cullowhee
  • North Carolina Central University. – Durham
  • The Art Institute of Raleigh Durham. – Durham
  • College of the Albemarle. – Elizabeth City
  • Fayetteville Technical Community College. – Fayetteville
  • Alamance Community College. – Graham
  • The University of North Carolina. – Greensboro
  • East Carolina University. – Greenville
  • Vance Granville Community College. – Henderson
  • Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. – Hudson
  • Guilford Technical Community College. – Jamestown
  • James Sprunt Community College. – Kenansville
  • Lenoir Community College. – Kinston
  • Robeson Community College. – Lumberton 
  • Carteret Community College. – Morehead City
  • Sandhills Community College. – Pinehurst
  • Wake Technical Community College.  – Raleigh
  • Nash Community College. – Rocky Mount
  • Piedmont Community College. – Roxboro
  • Southwestern Community College. – Sylva
  • Montgomery Community College. – Troy
  • Wilkes Community College. – Wilkesboro
  • Cape Fear Community College. – Wilmington

How Much Does Culinary Schools Cost In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, most of the culinary schools’ average scholarship award cost is $1,593, which helps to defray the actual $5,322 average cost of tuition. 

However, you might need to put your best cuisine forward while applying, as the average approval percentage for the scholarship is 51%.

What Are The Requirements For Culinary Schools In North Carolina?

North Carolina culinary school requirements vary for both citizens and non-citizens.

For the citizens, you would need to showcase your completed application for the institute, a high school transcript or home school verification, and a college transcript in the case of transfer.

However, non-citizens in addition to the above requirements would have to include proof of English proficiency, and a completed and signed International student financial declaration form.

Furthermore, a certified bank statement or government sponsorship letter verifying financial support for an academic year, a copy of the biographical section of your valid passport, and finally a transfer verification form.

What Are The Best Culinary Schools In North Carolina?

The best culinary schools in North Carolina are from a sufficient number of culinary schools in North Carolina, but just a few of them rank as the best in the state.

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The following are the best culinary schools in North Carolina:

1. Guilford Technical Community College, Jamestown

Guilford Technical Community College continues to hold its position as one of North Carolina’s best culinary schools and has been awarded excellent prestige by the American Culinary Federation.

The tuition cost at the Guilford technical community college goes for $1,216 for residents and $4,288 for Non-residents.

Accordingly, It provides a variety of culinary degrees including coursework in baking, food and beverage services, nutrition, and culinary arts with a solid mix of theoretical and practical learning present in the programs.

In addition, the length of the program’s study depends on the degree it is meant to lead to. For example, an A.A.S. degree typically requires five semesters to complete, whereas a diploma program only needs three.

For more information visit the school

2. Johnson & Wales University – College of Culinary Arts, Charlotte

The Johnson & Wales University Charlotte campus offers a variety of culinary arts degrees. As a result, it has earned its place among North Carolina’s best culinary schools.

Thus, the duration of the Program includes four years of Associate in Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts and two years of Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage Industry Management. 

Also, the cost of study goes for $35,750 per semester and $71,500 per year. 

To learn more visit the school 

3. Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington

As one of the best North Carolina culinary schools, Cape fear community college has culinary programs that grant diplomas, associate’s degrees in applied sciences, and foundational certifications.

Consequently, For 16 or more credits for $76 per credit hour every semester, the cost of the school is $1,216 for locals and $4,288 for non-residents.

The curriculum is developed to give students the specialized knowledge and abilities they need to succeed in the field.

In addition, the Cape Fear Community College program lasts for two semesters for the basic Certificate in Culinary Arts, four years for the BS, and five semesters for the A.A.S. in Culinary Arts.

visit the school for more information 

4. Lenoir Community College, Kinston

Lenoir Community College in Kinston, North Carolina, is regarded as one of the best culinary schools in the state. 

This college offers a variety of culinary arts programs, such as an Associate in Applied Science Degree, to promote student success by offering a culinary education with a management component.

Hence, the school emphasizes culinary fundamentals which help to increase student skill, knowledge, self-confidence, and pride in their culinary abilities.

You may find out the price and the prerequisites for admission when you  visit the school

5. Wake Technical Community College, Raleigh

With its programs accredited by the American Culinary Federation and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Wake Technical College is recognized as one of the best culinary institutions in North Carolina.

However, Since the college’s entry-level courses start each semester, students have the option to start the program at any time.

In addition, the college also offers daytime and evening classes to accommodate the busy schedules of the students, having a program duration of four semesters for an associate’s degree in applied science, three semesters for a diploma, and two semesters for a certificate.

For more information visit the school

6. Central Carolina Community College, Sanford

Central Carolina Community College, one of the best culinary schools in North Carolina, offers a variety of culinary arts continuing education classes.

As a student of Central Carolina Community College, you will be guaranteed fascinating culinary arts program instruction and open communication from instructors.

However, for individuals seeking a curriculum that focuses on sustainable practices as well as fascinating culinary arts programs, Central Carolina Community College counts as one of the best choices.

Furthermore, the Central Carolina community college has its programs and program Duration inclusive of the Culinary Fundamentals Certificate – two semesters and A.A.S in Culinary Arts – four semesters.

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Also, Those interested in a B.S. in culinary science will be able to apply after completing the Culinary Fundamentals Certificate for two semesters. Direct admittance is assured for those who earn a degree through articulation with Johnson and Wales University. 

visit the school to learn more

7. Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte

In North Carolina, Central Piedmont is home to one of the best culinary schools.

Being approved by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission, its culinary arts program is the only one there is in Charlotte.

According to estimates, residents will pay the sum of  $1,216 and non-residents would pay the sum of $4,288 for tuition.

Also, a uniform and a culinary art tool kit, which costs about $450, are additional costs for culinary arts students in addition to Central Piedmont’s tuition and fees.

In addition to many culinary arts certificates, it provides an Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts for students who wish to pursue an AAS degree in the field.

The Culinary Arts A.A.S. curriculum at Central Piedmont Community College lasts for four semesters or two years while the program for a certificate is for two semesters only.

visit the school to be enlightened better 

8. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville

One of the best culinary schools in North Carolina is Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. The school enjoys a good reputation in the industry thanks to its 2007 victory in the American Culinary Federation Student Culinary Competition.

Thus ranking in second place in 2013 in the nation for its culinary team and in 2012 a graduate designation as the Best Young Chef in the World.

However, the tuition is $1,216 for residents and $4,288 for non-residents, for 16 or more credits goes for about $76 per credit hour (1–15 hours) per semester, mind you there are additional charges.  

Asheville- Buncombe technical community school has its program duration for:

A.A.S degree in Culinary Arts – two years

Certificate Program – two semesters or a year.

visit the school  for more information 

9. Carteret Community College, Morehead City

Carteret Community College is also enlisted among the best culinary schools in North Carolina.

With its degree and certificate programs were created to give the specialized training needed to prepare students for professional positions in restaurants and other areas of the culinary industry.

Students who opt to pursue a full degree must take courses in human resource management, classical cuisine, and menu planning, among other things.

Internships are an interesting addition to the curriculum’s list of learning possibilities at Carteret Community College where tuition cost goes for $1,216 (Residents) and $4,288 (Non-residents).

visit the school for more information.

10. Alamance Community College, Graham

The upscale culinary school in the US North Carolina, Alamance Community College, trains students for a wide range of culinary jobs in resorts, clubs, hotels, and restaurants, among other settings.

As a result, For each academic year, the cost of tuition for residents of the state is approximately $2,190, while it costs $8,070 for students from other states. Depending on the program.

However, instructors stress to students the value of professionalism, environmental responsibility, and high culinary standards.

Additionally, students can earn their AAS degree in just two years and will be qualified for entry-level jobs like prep cook or station chef.

 To get registered and enlightened more about Alamance Community College   visit the school

11. Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville

Fayetteville Technical Community College is the best college accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accordingly, they offer multiple training options in culinary art, including a Baking Certificate program and a culinary arts Associate program that runs for two years.

However, the cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly in the order of $2,528 and for students from outside the state around $8,672 for each academic year.

Meanwhile, books and supplies may cost roughly $1,344, although this varies from program to program.

visit the school to apply and get more information.

12. College of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has granted the College of the Albemarle its accreditation as one of the best universities.

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As a result, they provide different Certificate program alternatives for chefs at its campus in the town of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, including a culinary technology Certificate program and a culinary art Associate program with a two-year duration.

Additionally, the annual cost of tuition for out-of-state students is $6,852 and that for in-state students is typical $2,227.

visit the school to learn more

13. Robeson Community College, Lumberton

In the North Carolina town of Lumberton, Robeson Community College offers a two-year Associate’s degree program in culinary arts.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has granted the college institutional accreditation as one of the best culinary schools.

Additionally, the average annual tuition cost for students from within the state is $2,540, while it is $8,684 for those from outside the state. Depending on the program selected, books and supplies can run you about $1,650.

visit the school for a better understanding 

14. Vance-Granville Community College, Henderson

Two years are spent teaching the Associate-level Culinary Arts curriculum at Vance-Granville Community College’s campus in Henderson.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges granted its accreditation as one of the top universities.

Tuition costs for in-state students are probably in the range of $1,944 per year, while those from outside the state are probably closer to $6,552 per year. Depending on the program chosen, study materials can cost up to $1,656.

visit the school to learn more

15. Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, Boone and Hudson

Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute is an exceptional college that provides a diploma in food truck and mobile catering management, which sits at the top chart as one of North Carolina’s best culinary schools. 

In addition to pleasant topics like sweets, the Caldwell community college & technical institute tackle essentials like food preparation and hygiene and in two years an A.A.S degree of  Four semesters would be achieved.

Furthermore, To ensure that students are fully prepared by the time they graduate, practical experiences are often incorporated into the curriculum.

How Much Do Cooks Make In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a cook makes an average hourly wage of $14.83.

However, as can be seen below, the hourly wage fluctuates according to years of experience:

Years of experience                   Per hour

  • Less than 1 year                  $14.32
  • 1 to 2 years                           $14.61
  • 3 to 5 years                           $15.38
  • 6 to 9 years                       $15.99
  • More than 10 years             $17.10

How Do I Become A Cook In North Carolina?

To become a cook in North Carolina, There are no consistent guidelines for training, education, license, or certification for cooks or chefs in North Carolina.

Although certain employers may have minimum standards, obtaining high school graduation or a GED is typically the first requirement for employment as a cook in the culinary industry.

Best Paying Culinary Jobs In North Carolina With Salary

The best-paying culinary jobs in the culinary industry, which earn above $30,000 annually, are listed below:

  • Pastry cook – $34,749
  • Culinary specialist -$34,890
  • Caterer – $40,408
  • Purchasing coordinator – $42,771
  • Wine sommelier – $43,440
  • Restaurant bar manager – $44,228
  • Sous chef – $46,888
  • Nutritionist – $47,572
  • Restaurants manager – $48,205
  • Food safety specialist – $63,631
  • Food and Beverage – $70,745
  • Food technologist – $72,381
  • Private chef – $81,686 

FAQs

What is the best qualification a chef can obtain?

The highest degree you may earn in culinary arts is a master’s. 
Maybe you’re wondering if getting a master’s degree is worthwhile. Students who are certain they want to rise to the top levels of the culinary profession should enrol in a master’s degree.

Which degree is ideal for the culinary arts?

The most frequently requested programs among serious candidates for chefs are associate degrees in culinary arts. 
The Associate’s in Applied Science-Culinary Arts is built on a two-year curriculum that offers a general education foundation in arithmetic, writing, English, and communication in addition to a student’s culinary instruction.

What courses are offered in culinary schools?

The fundamentals of a culinary arts education include, among other things: creativity, ingredient knowledge, culinary competence, cooking techniques, and attention to detail.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, many culinary schools offer a wide variety of courses and extracurricular activities for students with different academic backgrounds.

You can therefore enroll in any of the top culinary schools in North Carolina mentioned in this article to get a solid educational foundation in the culinary arts.

Reference

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