Culinary Schools in San Diego CA

CULINARY SCHOOLS > CALIFORNIA > SAN DIEGO

We list the top Culinary Schools in San Diego CA. 44% of those with culinary positions like Executive Chef, Head Cook, and Line Cook have a culinary degree.



Earnings are dependent upon where along with in what type of establishment one works. The particular median annual salary involving chefs and also head cooks is $42,490. Most culinary schools give you a strong chance for acceptance into their school – typically close to 75-80% acceptance rate.

A cook or any other cooking professional can acquire certification that demonstrates to an employer that she or he has achieved a certain level of culinary proficiency. In addition to certification, school room and hand-on training, one in addition needs certain soft skills, or personal qualities, to achieve in this environment.

San Diego CA Culinary Schools






American Personal Chef Institute

4572 Delaware St
San Diego, CA
2.99 miles away

Phone: (800) 644-8389

2-day seminars, home study courses & annual meeting devoted to the business aspects of the personal chef career field. $995/2-day seminar; $695-$895/home study course.





The Art Institute of California-San Diego

7650 Mission Valley Road,
San Diego, California
4.11 miles away

Phone: (866) 275-2422

4-year private program, 2101 enrolled, 21 to 1 student to teacher ratio





San Diego Continuing Education

4343 Ocean View Blvd,
San Diego, California
4.46 miles away

Phone: (619) 388-4881

2-year or less, public program, 3587 enrolled, 26 to 1 student to teacher ratio





San Diego Mesa College

7250 Mesa College Dr,
San Diego, California
5.71 miles away

Phone: (619) 388-2604

2-year or less, public program, 25504 enrolled, 31 to 1 student to teacher ratio





San Diego Culinary Institute

8024 La Mesa Blvd,
San Diego, California
9.20 miles away

Phone: (619) 644-2100

2-year or less, private program, 263 enrolled, 14 to 1 student to teacher ratio





Grossmont College

8800 Grossmont College Dr,
El Cajon, California
11.63 miles away

Phone: (619) 644-7000

2-year or less, public program, 19509 enrolled, 30 to 1 student to teacher ratio





Southwestern College

900 Otay Lakes Rd,
Chula Vista, California
11.83 miles away

Phone: (619) 482-6550

2-year or less, public program, 20409 enrolled, 26 to 1 student to teacher ratio


Chef Cooking Schools & Programs

A chef can get basic certification that demonstrates to an employer that they have achieved a specific level of culinary proficiency, while classroom and hand-on instruction can elevate a culinary career to new heights. 44% of high level chefs have a culinary degree.


If you prefer to explore certification in the culinary field, the below certificates are highly regarded throughout the culinary industry. In order to obtain your certification, you may need to have some work experience in the field, take a written exam, and renewals may be required every few years.

Certification Name Certifying Organization
Certified Correctional Food Systems Manager American Correctional Food Service Association
Certified Chef de Cuisine American Culinary Federation, Inc.
Certified Executive Chef American Culinary Federation, Inc.
Certified Master Chef American Culinary Federation, Inc.
Personal Certified Executive Chef American Culinary Federation, Inc.
Foodservice Professional Certification North American Assoc. of Food Equip. Manufacturers
ProChef Level III Certification The Culinary Institute of America
Certified Personal Chef United States Personal Chef Association
Certified Correctional Foodservice Professional American Correctional Food Service Association
Certified Culinary Administrator American Culinary Federation, Inc.
Certified Executive Pastry Chef American Culinary Federation, Inc.
Certified Master Pastry Chef American Culinary Federation, Inc.
Certified Sous Chef American Culinary Federation, Inc.
Certified Working Pastry Chef American Culinary Federation, Inc.
Certified Decorator Retail Bakers of America
Certified Wedding Planner The Wedding Planning Institute


Baking and Pastry Schools

Specific culinary programs and schools are available that focus on baking and pastry creations. Such programs are quicker to complete and offer a very specialized and valuable skill set.

How Long Does Culinary School Take?

The time needed to finish a culinary degree will depend on the avenue taken. Professional culinary degrees can range from 2 to 4 years at top programs. There are shorter options that take a few months to a year for more specialized training that are more focused towards lower entry culinary jobs.


What Is The Cost of Culinary School?

The cost of a culinary degree depends on what a person is aiming to achieve in the culinary field. Some careers such as Food Scientists and Nutritionists require a degree to have success in their field. If the goal is to become an executive chef, an official degree from a known culinary program will be very valuable. On the other hand, someone can become a successful chef by starting in an entry level position and working their way up. Experience is important in the culinary field. It's important to understand and balance the formal education along with actual experience. These two factors play an important role in the assessment of cost and overall success of someone's culinary career.

The cost to attend a top culinary program can range around $20,000 to $50,000 per year. On the other hand, there is a lower cost path to a culinary degree via community colleges and technical schools. Costs typically range from $2,000 to $5,000. Public universities are also a good option but are more expensive, typically ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 in tuition per year.