Creating delicious meals can be both an art and a science, but most of all it’s about passion, innovation, and education.
If you have the desire to learn how to cook but aren’t sure where to start, you might be surprised by the culinary schools in Ohio that offer programs tailored to your needs and interests!
This list will help you find the right program for you, whether you want to become a professional chef or just hone your cooking skills on the side.
What are the Best Culinary Schools in Ohio?
These are the top 15 best cooking schools in Ohio below, you can also check out other culinary schools across the globe:
Columbus State Community College
Columbus State is one of the best culinary schools in Columbus Ohio that offers:
- Associate of Applied Science degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Hospitality Management and Food Service
- Baking and Pastry Arts
Students learn to operate front-of-house positions at properties like hotels and restaurants, as well as take on management roles.
Students can also choose between full-time or part-time programs, with a hands-on curriculum including over 300 hours of practicum work.
Columbus State also offers certificate programs in baking and pastry arts, as well as food service operation management.
Sinclair Community College
If you’re looking for cheap culinary schools in Ohio, Sinclair Community College offers an associate’s degree that focuses on foodservice and culinary arts.
In addition to learning how to prepare tasty dishes, students also learn business basics such as management and marketing.
Most graduates of Sinclair’s program have little trouble finding work right after graduation.
The Columbus Culinary Institute at Bradford School
While it’s a little outside of Columbus, the Columbus Culinary Institute at Bradford School is a great school for cooking lovers.
It offers bachelor’s and associate degrees with various specializations and even includes culinary field trips!
The graduates from here rave about how great their education was and how it prepared them for work immediately.
This program has received accreditation by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) as well as the Education Corporation of America (ECA).
Zane State College
While it’s already got you focused on your future culinary career, Zane State College offers a wide variety of relevant courses such as:
- Service and hospitality management
- Baking and pastry arts
- Home economics
- Hotel/restaurant management and more
Plus, with numerous facilities and a strong alumni network to draw from, you can likely land an internship or even your first job.
You’ll be taught by award-winning chefs who have prepared for events such as The White House Thanksgiving dinner.
Owens Community College
Owens Community College is a very reputable institute; it is one of the culinary schools in Toledo Ohio.
The culinary arts program at Owens Community College includes:
- Baking and pastry
- Nutrition
- Cuisine fundamentals, and much more
Students also participate in externships throughout Northeast Ohio after completing their coursework.
The University of Akron
The University of Akron’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is one of the well-known culinary schools in Akron Ohio.
This institution offers a Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in either Restaurant Management or Baking and Pastry Arts.
This program also has options for minors. Students will learn to combine baking techniques with culinary techniques while expanding their knowledge on hospitality management.
Although tuition is $13,000 per year, students have an opportunity to obtain scholarships worth up to 50% off their tuition costs.
Related rankings:
- Top 14 Best Culinary Schools in Kansas: Cooking Schools
- 12 Best Culinary Schools in Georgia
- The 7 Best Culinary schools in Baton Rouge Louisiana
Stark State College
If you’re looking for culinary schools that offer some of their classes online and are a bit more forgiving with their curriculum, consider Stark State College.
This program has an accelerated 2-year degree track for students who already have an associate’s degree or college credits but still want to enter into a professional culinary career.
As one of the top culinary schools in Ohio, Stark State offers programs that will guide you in the culinary and foodservice industry.
Some of the programs offered here include:
- Hospitality management
- Baking and pastry arts
- Restaurant technology and more
Lorain County Community College
Lorain County Community College is one of the culinary schools in Ohio and was established in 1966.
This institution has become one of Ohio’s most widely recognized community colleges.
Students are sure to find something that suits their needs at LCCC. The college offers a variety of courses each semester, all of which include culinary elements.
Hocking College
Hocking College is one of the culinary schools in Columbus Ohio and this school offers associate’s degrees and diplomas through its School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
The school boasts an impressive campus with on-site student housing, as well as hands-on learning opportunities that include:
- Weekly restaurant training
- Active student travel program
- Internship support
- Partnerships with local businesses
To learn more about Hocking College’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management program, check out their website below.
Cuyahoga Community College
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just considering culinary school, Cuyahoga Community College has something for you.
Cuyahoga Community College offers a range of culinary arts programs to assist its students to grow in their knowledge of culinary arts.
The Culinary Arts program is split into three levels:
- Foundation
- Intermediate and
- Advanced
It consists of hands-on learning in a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen and lab facilities
Students also gain valuable experience at local restaurants and other venues.
The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is one of the most prestigious culinary schools in Ohio, and if you’re considering a career in culinary arts, OSU is an excellent choice.
The school provides full scholarships to its students and even sends talented chefs around to teach classes at local high schools!
This program also helps budding chefs get their foot in the door at top restaurants.
If you’re looking for culinary schools near me, look no further than OSU; it has locations all across Ohio so you can study close to home.
The International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute
If you’re looking for a culinary school that offers a solid education and an affordable price tag, then look no further than The International Culinary Arts and Sciences Institute (ICASI).
This is one of the best culinary schools in Columbus Ohio and has a slew of programs that make it one of our top picks.
Students can enroll in associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, or graduate programs to get cooking.
University of Akron Main Campus
The University of Akron Main Campus is one of the culinary schools in Akron Ohio that offers a popular culinary arts program.
This top culinary school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1 and an acceptance rate of 59 percent.
With its convenient location, the University of Akron Main Campus is a good choice for students who live in Akron or nearby cities like Cuyahoga Falls or Barberton.
Ashland University
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, Ashland University is proud to boast one of the best culinary schools in Ohio.
The school’s programs were designed for hands-on learning, with high expectations for students who want to pursue a career as a chef.
Kent State University at Ashtabula
Located in Ashtabula, Ohio, Kent State University at Ashtabula (KA) offers a Bachelor of Science degree that provides students with the education and training necessary to succeed as chefs.
Their culinary arts program combines theory and hands-on instruction to help students prepare for careers as chefs.
Enrolling at KA will provide you with relevant skills while offering an affordable tuition rate.
Other Cooking Schools in Ohio
5 Best Culinary Schools in Columbus Ohio
- The Seasoned Farmhouse
- Columbus State Community College
- Culinary Coaching with Chef A’Donna
- Savoir Cooking + Wine
- Sur La Table
3 Best culinary schools in Akron Ohio
- The University of Akron
- International Culinary Arts and Sciences
- Stark State College
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