Le Cordon Bleu is a cooking school with locations around the world. The school has culinary arts certificate, diploma and bachelor's degree programs available. In addition there is the option of a bachelor's or master's degree in hospitality management. Students have the opportunity to study at multiple culinary levels and earn a diploma within a year. Le Cordon Bleu places an emphasis on French cuisine and learn to cook fine cuisine while studying presentation techniques too. Tuition costs vary depending on program and location but in 2011, the average cost was $22,000 for a culinary arts diploma. Students can apply for federal financial aid and school scholarships.
The French Culinary Institute is located in New York City. The school provides an intensive six month course program for those studying culinary arts. The average tuition costs in 2011 for the full program is $40,000. Financial aid opportunities, including federal aid are available. The pastry arts program is created by Jacques Torres and covers training in desserts, bread baking, breakfast pastries and more. In the culinary arts programs students learn French cooking techniques but also learn culinary techniques for all western cuisine. Classes are small and the final portion of training is in the kitchen of L'Ecole, an award-winning restaurant in New York. Students also have the opportunity to study at The Italian Culinary Academy during the program. The French Culinary Institute also has amateur classes in specialized culinary, pastry and bread courses for students who aren't able to commit to the full length program.
Culinard is a cooking school offered through Virginia College. The culinary institute offers several programs that emphasizes a hands-on learning experience. The Culinary Institute of Virginia College provides a culinary arts program and a pastry arts program for students. The school has locations in Birmingham, Alabama; Jacksonville, Florida; Mobile, Alabama; and Richmond, Virginia. Students in the culinary arts program receive training in all aspects of culinary arts and some studies in pastry arts. Students in the pastry arts course emphasize in all pastry techniques including learning how to create show pieces and work on wedding cakes. The average tuition for a degree is $35,000. The school offers some scholarship opportunities and students can apply for federal financial aid.
The Culinary Academy of Austin uses a five-block system for students in the program. Each block lasts three months and students can start the program every three months rather than waiting for fall or summer acceptance. The culinary arts program also requires students to complete a 400 hour externship to gain valuable experience before graduation. Students in the pastry arts program at the Culinary Academy of Austin study for six months and complete a 120 hour externship. Financial aid and scholarships are available.