Colorado Culinary Schools & Certificate Programs

Colorado is a state full of gorgeous views, outdoor activities, and exciting culinary opportunities. Colorado offers a large amount of diversity, both in culture and in food. It’s also experiencing rapid growth in the food services industry, at the rate of 16.5% until 2014, a growth that will add about 1.8 million new jobs to the state’s culinary industry. The state is home to 4.3 million people, and has large metropolitan areas including Denver and Boulder.

Culinary positions in Colorado can be competitive, so it’s smart to earn a certificate or degree in the culinary industry. This is especially helpful in Boulder, where the cost of living is higher than other parts in the state, and higher-paying jobs are more sought after. A culinary certificate or degree can generally be earned at a four year university, community college, private culinary institution, or in other educational settings. These schools will teach you everything you need to know in order to be a successful culinary professional in the state, including cooking techniques, handling and sanitation requirements, nutrition, and restaurant management.

Colorado has plenty of opportunities for students to help manage the cost of culinary school with financial aid. Colorado.gov offers links to lots of helpful information, including the College Access Network, CollegeInvest, and Loan Incentives for Teachers. They even offer a way to calculate the cost of your college loans.

Colorado residents love to eat plenty of beef and game, although many in the state are big fans of more exciting culinary delights including fusion food, vegetarian specialties, and unique concepts. The state is also very focused on health, so culinary professionals who are talented in creating healthy, tasty meals will be well rewarded in the state of Colorado.

Colorado as a whole has a cost of living that is about the same as the rest of the country, although the wages in the state are often above average. This means that by becoming a culinary professional in Colorado, you’ll enjoy a larger amount of disposable income than you might in other states. The state also has a history of rapid wage growth that is expected to continue for some time. Salaries for executive chefs in Denver are generally within $48,000 and $107,000.


Top Culinary Programs

Ashworth College

Ashworth College - With an online program available, students can start a career in the culinary arts quickly and easily.
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Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster Career School - Students interested in becoming a caterer will enjoy the program offered by Penn Foster Career School. Penn Foster has classes entirely online so students never have to leave their home.
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Stratford Career Institute

Stratford Career Institute - Stratford Career Institute prepares students in reaching their goals in the Culinary industry with a great program available online.
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The Culinary Institute of America

The Culinary Institute of America - The Culinary Institute of America is a high quality program for students interested in learning the culinary arts from some of the best chefs in the country.
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Le Cordon Bleu

San Franciso
Sacramento
Portland

Le Cordon Bleu - One of the highest respected cooking schools, Le Cordon Bleu has graduated some of the top chef's currently working in restaurants around the country today.
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