North Carolina Culinary Schools & Certificate Programs

North Carolina makes an excellent home for culinary professionals, as it has a low cost of living and wealth of local produce. The state is also known for its Southern Hospitality and flair. And with an impressive 8 million residents, the state has many people that can’t wait to see what you serve up.

North Carolina has a large leisure and hospitality industry, and there are many opportunities to be found throughout the state. However, if you want to land some of the best positions in the state, you will need to have a culinary education. This means obtaining a culinary certificate or degree from one of the state’s many culinary schools. These programs can be found within community colleges, four year universities, and specialty culinary arts institutes. While studying for your certificate or degree, you’ll be taught how to skillfully prepare food, properly handle a knife, manage a restaurant, and adhere to local and state guidelines for food handling and sanitation.

Your culinary education is a valuable endeavor, but it will almost certainly be an expensive one as well. The cost of ingredients and kitchen equipment often makes culinary schools expensive. If you need help paying for your culinary education, you can look to the College Foundation of North Carolina. This foundation will help you learn about savings programs, debt management, scholarships, grants, loans, installment plans, and part time work. Their site also offers helpful education in tax savings and calculators.

North Carolina has job opportunities for culinary professionals throughout the state, but you’ll generally find that the biggest concentration of jobs can be found in large cities like Charlotte and Raleigh. Additionally, you can do well in resort areas along North Carolina’s coast.

North Carolina has a low cost of living when compared with the rest of the nation, but it has high salaries for culinary professionals, so you can expect your earnings to go far in the state. An executive chef in Charlotte will generally make between $45,000 and $102,000 per year. You’ll find that working in North Carolina as a culinary professional can be especially rewarding.


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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