Culinary Schools in Illinois
If you are thinking about attending culinary school in Illinois, you are in a strong position. Illinois is home to some of the most respected culinary training programs in the country, and Chicago remains one of the most exciting food cities in the United States. From Michelin starred restaurants to neighborhood kitchens and culturally rich…
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If you are thinking about attending culinary school in Illinois, you are in a strong position. Illinois is home to some of the most respected culinary training programs in the country, and Chicago remains one of the most exciting food cities in the United States. From Michelin starred restaurants to neighborhood kitchens and culturally rich Filipino dining spots, the culinary scene here offers depth, diversity, and opportunity.
If you are still exploring your options nationwide, you may also want to start with our complete culinary schools guide, which breaks down chef training paths, costs, and what to expect from different types of programs.
I created this guide to help you sort through your options with clarity and confidence. Whether you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree, an associate program, or a short term certificate, Illinois offers programs that fit different goals, timelines, and budgets. This guide helps you find the right culinary school based on where you want your career to go.
Quick Rundown of What You Need to Know
- Illinois has more than ten accredited culinary programs offering certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees
- Community colleges typically cost between $5,000 and $9,000 per year, while private schools often exceed $25,000 annually
- Several well known schools closed after 2017, including Le Cordon Bleu and The Art Institutes, so school status must be verified
- The average chef salary in Illinois is about $58,080 per year, with executive chefs earning over $100,000
- ACF accreditation from the American Culinary Federation is a strong indicator of program quality
Best Culinary Schools in Illinois for 2025
Kendall College at National Louis University
Kendall College remains one of the most recognized culinary institutions in Chicago. Founded in 1985 and integrated into National Louis University in 2018, the program continues to combine classical training with modern culinary education.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Management
- Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
- Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry
- Professional Cookery Certificate
- Baking and Pastry Certificate
Accreditation
ACF accredited culinary arts and baking programs
Facilities and Experience
Students train in professional kitchens and operate The Dining Room, a student run restaurant recognized by the MICHELIN Guide Chicago.
Estimated Cost
$25,000 or more per year
Location
Chicago
French Pastry School
French Pastry School is ideal for students who want to specialize exclusively in baking and pastry. The curriculum is intensive, immersive, and taught by classically trained French pastry chefs.
Programs Offered
- Professional Pastry Program
- Advanced Pastry Program
- Chocolate and Confectionery Program
- Specialty short courses
Accreditation
ICCB approved
Estimated Cost
$8,000 to $12,000 per program
Location
Chicago
Washburne Culinary Institute
City Colleges of Chicago
Washburne Culinary Institute offers strong hands on training at an affordable cost and focuses on preparing students for real kitchen work in Chicago.
Programs Offered
- Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
- Culinary Arts Certificate
- Baking and Pastry Certificate
Estimated Cost
$6,460 per year for in district students
$12,920 for out of district students
Location
Chicago at Harry S Truman College
Joliet Junior College
Joliet Junior College offers comprehensive culinary and hospitality programs that balance cooking technique with kitchen management.
Programs Offered
- Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
- Associate Degree in Culinary Management
- Culinary Arts Certificate
- Baking and Pastry Management programs
Accreditation
ACF accredited
Estimated Cost
Approximately $9,000 per year for in district students
Location
Joliet
College of DuPage
College of DuPage is known for its dual ACF certified culinary programs and strong reputation among employers.
Programs Offered
- Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
- Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry
- Specialty certificate programs
Accreditation
Dual ACF certification
Estimated Cost
Approximately $8,832 per year for in district students
Location
Glen Ellyn
College of Lake County
College of Lake County serves northern Illinois with accessible culinary and hospitality programs for entry level students and career changers.
Programs Offered
- Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
- Associate Degree in Hospitality Management
- Culinary certificate programs
Location
Grayslake
Southwestern Illinois College
Southwestern Illinois College emphasizes hands on culinary training with strong industry alignment.
Programs Offered
- Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
- Culinary and hospitality certificates
Estimated Cost
Approximately $8,000 per year for in district students
Location
Belleville
McHenry County College
McHenry County College stands out for its student run dining facilities and industry recognized certifications.
Highlights
- Culinary management and baking programs
- ServSafe and NRAEF ManageFirst certification training
Location
Crystal Lake
Illinois Central College
Illinois Central College offers culinary and hospitality programs with strong job placement in Central Illinois.
Location
East Peoria
Danville Area Community College
Danville Area Community College provides certificate focused training in culinary fundamentals.
Location
Danville
Illinois Culinary Schools Comparison Table
| School | Location | Program Types | ACF Accredited | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kendall College at NLU | Chicago | Bachelor, Associate, Certificate | Yes | $25,000 plus |
| French Pastry School | Chicago | Certificate | ICCB | $8,000 to $12,000 |
| Washburne Culinary Institute | Chicago | Associate, Certificate | No | $6,460 in district |
| Joliet Junior College | Joliet | Associate, Certificate | Yes | $9,000 in district |
| College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn | Associate, Certificate | Yes | $8,832 in district |
| College of Lake County | Grayslake | Associate, Certificate | No | Varies |
| Southwestern Illinois College | Belleville | Associate, Certificate | Yes | $8,000 in district |
| McHenry County College | Crystal Lake | Associate, Certificate | No | Varies |
| Illinois Central College | East Peoria | Associate, Certificate | No | Varies |
| Danville Area Community College | Danville | Certificate | No | Varies |
Culinary Schools in Illinois That Have Closed
Some outdated lists still mention programs that are no longer operating. The following schools are closed and should be removed from consideration.
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Chicago
Closed in September 2017 after the parent company shut down all U.S. locations.
The Illinois Institute of Art Culinary Program
Closed in 2018, with all Art Institute locations closing by 2023.
Robert Morris University Illinois Culinary Program
Closed after the university merged with Roosevelt University in 2020.
Chef Salary Outlook in Illinois
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, chefs and head cooks in Illinois earn an average of $58,080 per year. Executive chefs and senior culinary managers can earn over $100,000 annually, particularly in Chicago where competition for experienced talent is strong.
For a deeper breakdown of kitchen roles and earning potential, you can also review our detailed article on what an executive chef does, including responsibilities, leadership expectations, and salary ranges across the industry.
How to Choose the Right Culinary School
If your long term goal is to work your way up the kitchen ladder, understanding the career path matters just as much as choosing the right school. Our guide on how to become a chef explains the progression from entry level cook to leadership roles and what skills employers expect at each stage.
Accreditation Matters
ACF accreditation signals strong curriculum standards and instructor qualifications and is valued by employers.
Hands On Training
Look for programs with student run kitchens or restaurants where you cook for real guests.
Instructor Experience
Programs led by chefs with real industry experience provide more practical, relevant training.
Career Placement Support
Ask about graduate employment rates and industry partnerships.
Program Focus
Choose a program aligned with your interests, whether that is fine dining, management, or pastry.
Total Cost
Consider tuition, supplies, uniforms, and living expenses before committing.
Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
- Is the program ACF accredited
- What is the average class size for kitchen labs
- What percentage of graduates find culinary jobs within six months
- Are internships or apprenticeships available
- Are specialization tracks offered
- What certifications can be earned
- What financial aid options exist
- Can I tour the kitchens before enrolling
- Does the school have an active alumni network
Illinois offers one of the strongest culinary education landscapes in the country. Chicago alone provides unmatched exposure to professional kitchens and diverse cuisines. Whether you choose a four year degree or a focused certificate program, the key is finding a school that fits your goals, budget, and learning style.
Visit campuses when possible. Speak with instructors and current students. Ask the hard questions. The right culinary school does more than give you a diploma. It sets the foundation for a career you can grow with and enjoy for years to come.
Good luck on your culinary journey, and happy cooking.
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