| You’ve finally decided you want to pursue a | | | | visit the Free Application for Student Aid at |
| culinary education but are concerned about the cost. | | | | fafsa.ed.gov. |
| So, what are your options? | | | | In addition to loans and grants, scholarships are also a |
| Like most college programs, the cost of culinary school | | | | culinary school funding option. There are a variety of |
| varies depending on the school, the curriculum and the | | | | scholarship programs available that are generally |
| type of degree. Typically the cost of culinary school | | | | awarded based on need and goals. Web sites like are |
| ranges from around $15,000 to $30,000 a year. Of | | | | also a good resource for finding such scholarships. |
| course, that doesn’t include the cost of kitchen | | | | Here you will find scholarship and grant programs from |
| fees, equipment, utensils, books and living expenses. | | | | places such as The American Culinary Federation and |
| However, like most universities, culinary schools | | | | the American Institute of Wine and Food. The James |
| typically offer a variety of financial aid programs to | | | | Beard Foundation, which awarded a total of 80 |
| help fund the cost of a culinary education. So, as you | | | | culinary scholarships worth $265,000 in 2008, is also a |
| consider which culinary school you want to attend, find | | | | good resource. |
| out what financial aid options they have to offer. | | | | Alternative Funding Options |
| Loans, Grants and Scholarships | | | | Also research alternative funding when it comes to |
| Student loans may help defer the cost of a culinary | | | | funding the cost of your culinary education, consider |
| education. Some loans, such as those funded through | | | | vocational rehabilitation or Veteran’s programs, |
| Sallie Mae Financial, may cover as much as 100 | | | | assistance from your family as well as full- or part-time |
| percent of expenses. In addition, some culinary schools | | | | employment. |
| are approved by the U.S. government for Stafford | | | | Your culinary institute’s financial aid office can also |
| Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, and Pell Grants. | | | | answer questions, help you with financial aid |
| Low interest loans and government grants are | | | | applications as well as help you determine which |
| generally awarded on need. To find out if you qualify | | | | financial aid program is right for you. |