The Top 10 Best Private Culinary Schools

1. College of the Ozarks

The College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri, offers a unique and tempting proposition for many culinary students. The Evangelical Christian College has a cutting edge Work Education Program that allows students to work on campus to defray the costs of tuition. Upon completion of the program, the college guarantees to meet the entire cost of education for its students. Competition is fierce however with a small undergraduate class that averages 1,500 students.

2. Messiah College

Messiah College is a Christian college located twelve miles from the Pennsylvania state capital of Harrisburg. Messiah’s mission includes a focus on service, leadership, faith and reconciliation. They offer many certificates and degrees in leadership and management, as well as nutrition, dietetics and a minor in Foods and Nutrition. With an undergraduate class of 2,772 students, they have an excellent graduation rate of 76% and a low 13:1 student to faculty ratio. As with most private institutions, tuition can be costly at a moderate price of $40,000 annually.

3. Delaware Valley College

DelValis a suburban school located in quaint Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Boasting a low 15:1 student to faculty ratio, there is a close mentorship developed. DVC offers degree programs in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition and Restaurant and Food Service Management. The total undergraduate class for 2014 was 1,807 students. Annual tuition for on-campus, in-state students averages $46,000 per year.

4. Thiel College

Thiel is a multidisciplinary school in the little borough of Greenville, Pennsylvania. Home to 1,100 undergraduate students, the Lutheran institutions mission is to empower its students to achieve their full potential. TC has a limited selection for degree offerings, with only an Associate’s degree in Culinary Business Administration. Annual tuition is in the $30,000 range and class ratio is 14:1 students to faculty.

5. Johnson & Wales University

JWU has been a longtime standout in culinary education. With its traditional hands-on training environment and its dedication to inspiring its students, JWU is a much sought after option for post-secondary education. Situated in one of the oldest cities in the country (Providence), JWU has one of the best Culinary Arts programs in the country, and a top-notch internship program. With the latest technology and equipment, skilled faculty (and an 18:1 ratio) and a multitude of degree options, culinary students can’t go wrong. The cost of attendance is on par with other private schools at around $40,000 per year for in-state resident students.

6. Drexel University

Drexel University, housed in urban Philadelphia, is home to some 14,000+ undergraduate students. A new endeavor – the Hospitality and Sports Management Program, they offer Bachelors of Science degree in Culinary Arts as well as an MBA and Masters of Food Science. Because of its location in a bigger city, DU can offer exposure to a wide variety of cuisines and internship possibilities that many smaller and rural schools cannot. Tuition costs are slightly higher than average, rolling in at $61,000 per year for in-state resident students. However, at a 70% graduation rate, it may be well worth the investment.

7. Keuka College

Keuka College is a private, Baptist school in the heart of Keuka Park, New York. KC offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management, and houses a 14:1 student to staff ratio. With an undergraduate enrollment of a little over 1,800 students, KC’s tuition is typical, remaining at $40,000 for on-campus New York residents.

8. Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU offers degree programs in Culinary Arts (AS), Baking & Pastry Arts (AS) and Culinary Management (BS). Located in the busy city of Manchester, the 300 acre campus offers a solid culinary program that’s certified through the American Culinary Federation, as well as being an accredited institution of higher learning. It’s a bigger school than most with an undergraduate enrollment of over 18,000, and close to 2,000 faculty and staff. SNHU has a large online population and offerings, though the culinary specific classes are on campus. Annual tuition is average, coming in at just over $41,000 per year.

9. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood is a 500 acre, private Presbyterian university in Saint Charles, Missouri. LU offers more than 200 degree programs, including degrees in Hospitality and Restaurant Management. With a current undergraduate population of close to 8,500 and a 15:1 student to staff ratio, LU is a solid choice for management students. Annual tuition is below the average cost of a private school education, round out at just under $24,000 per year.

10. Livingstone College

Livingstone is a small Methodist Episcopal institution located in the heart of Rowan County, North Carolina. LC considers itself a holistic institution dedicated to developing its students to achieve their goals. Offering a Bachelor’s of Science in Hospitality Management, LC rivals many of the bigger schools with its course offerings and low student to faculty ratio. Annual tuition is below average at just over $23,000 annually for resident students housed on campus.