Vermont is the second largest state in New England. Vermont is known as the Green Mountain State and is bordered by Canada, New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. The state is a mecca for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, with more than 200 mountains and hundreds of bodies of water. As of 2011, Vermont was home to more than two dozen colleges and universities. But only a handful of these schools cater specifically to an education in the culinary arts.
The New England Culinary Institute, Vermont's largest culinary arts school, is located in Montpelier. The campus features an on-site restaurant, retail and non-commercial operations to serve a wide variety of students. Student housing is available on campus. Johnson State College, located in Johnson, Vermont, also offers a culinary arts program. Champlain College in Burlington and the University of Vermont at Burlington offer degrees in pastry, restaurant management or hospitality concentrations.
In addition to traditional classroom instruction, the New England Culinary Institute offers an online degree program. The program offers a bachelor's degree in hospitality and management. To participate in the online program, a student must already have at least 60 qualifying credits from an accredited post-secondary institution or experience in the food service and hospitality industries. The main benefit of the online program is that it provides flexibility for students who are working and allows them to set their own pace.
Tuition at the New England Culinary School varies by type of degree and by concentration. As of 2011, a four-year bachelor's degree in culinary arts cost about $108,000 if living on campus and about $92,000 for those living off campus. A certificate in professional cooking, meanwhile, cost between $8,000 and $11,000. Tuition at Johnson State College costs about $357 per credit hour. Financial aid is available at most culinary schools. Grants are based on need, but most schools also offer assistance through the Federal Work-Study Program.