ONLINE CULINARY SCHOOL AVAILABLE IN NEW ORLEANS

Starting a culinary career in New Orleans, usually involves a mix of education and hands-on experience. Here are some steps that may help you get started:

Get a Culinary Education: The online culinary arts program at Escoffier provides a comprehensive curriculum in culinary techniques and kitchen operations. Along with online learning, this flexible program includes an in-person industry externship that can help you put your skills to the test.

Train Locally in New Orleans: Apply your education by working in local kitchens. From historic restaurants in the French Quarter to modern eateries focused on Gulf Coast ingredients, New Orleans offers a wide range of environments to sharpen your skills and develop your personal cooking style.

Start with Entry-Level Roles: Positions like prep cook or line cook help you gain experience in a professional kitchen. These roles are important for learning time management, teamwork, and the fast pace of the culinary industry in New Orleans.

Build Your Local Network: Attending events such as the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience or other regional food festivals to meet chefs, restaurant owners, and fellow culinary students. Joining professional groups, such as the American Culinary Federation’s New Orleans chapter, can help you grow your network and find job opportunities.

New Orleans is a city where food is deeply woven into the culture. With the right mix of education, local experience, and community involvement, you could build a strong foundation for a culinary career. For more detailed guidance, explore our Essential Guide to Becoming a Chef.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual salary for chefs and head cooks in New Orleans is approximately $39,850 per year as of May 2024.

Actual earnings can vary based on experience, location, and the type of establishment. While some entry-level positions may pay around $22,500 per year, experienced chefs working in high-end restaurants or hotels might earn over $77,740 annually.

Yes! Students in New Orleans can enroll in Escoffier’s online culinary programs through the Boulder campus. This campus is the only U.S.-accredited institution offering fully online diplomas and degrees nationwide that combine culinary classes with hands-on industry externships.*

Escoffier’s Boulder, Colorado campus holds national accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). It is also approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational Schools. Additionally, the campus participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), allowing it to provide online education legally across the country.

*Our Boulder, CO campus is the only accredited institution in the United States to offer both fully online diploma and degree programs nationwide with culinary classes and hands-on industry externships. We are accredited by ACCET – A Partnership for Quality®. ACCET is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

Enrolling in online culinary programs from New Orleans is simple. The entire application process typically takes about 10 minutes using our user-friendly online platform.

Applications are accepted year-round. To get started, you will need to provide:

• Your location and demographic information
• Emergency contact details
• The culinary program you want to pursue
• Proof of high school or equivalent graduation

After submitting your application, you will receive an enrollment agreement packet through DocuSign for a smooth and paperless process.

Once your application is complete, a member of Escoffier’s Admissions Team will reach out to guide you through the next steps. This is also a great opportunity to speak with the Student Finance Department about financing options. Financial aid is available for those who apply and qualify, making education accessible to many students.

For a step-by-step overview, check out our guide, “How to Get into Culinary School,” or contact our Admissions Department directly for personalized assistance.

Yes. To enroll in the online culinary programs at Escoffier from New Orleans, you must provide proof of high school completion or an equivalent qualification before your start date.

Students in New Orleans can meet this requirement with one of the following:

• A high school diploma or official transcript
• Passing a high school equivalency exam such as the GED, HSED, HiSet, or TASC
• Documentation of passing a state-authorized exam recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma
• An official college transcript from an accredited institution showing completion of an Associate degree or higher
• Completion of 60 college semester credits or 90 quarter credits from an accredited institution
• A state-recognized homeschool certificate of completion
• Homeschool documentation required by local or state agencies, including notification to the agency, academic transcripts, and proof of graduation
• A DD-214 form for U.S. veterans indicating high school equivalency

Unsure if your education meets these requirements? Our Admissions Team is happy to help.

Tuition for Escoffier’s online culinary programs is the same for students in New Orleans as it is nationwide. Costs may vary depending on the program you choose, but financial aid is available for those who apply and qualify.

You can explore the costs for all programs to see what might be the best fit for you.

If you have questions about payment options, scholarships, or the financial aid process, our team is available to help. Contact us today to speak with our financial aid department and explore the best plan for your education.

Yes. Students in New Orleans who apply and qualify can receive financial aid to help cover the cost of culinary school.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, most eligible first-time postsecondary students at Escoffier received some form of financial support. Escoffier participates in federal financial aid programs, including grants and federally backed student loans. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Department to learn more about their options.

In addition to financial aid, Escoffier offers several scholarships for eligible online students, including Work & Learn Scholarships, the Student Veteran Scholarship, and several merit-based scholarships.

Explore these scholarship opportunities to determine your eligibility.

New Orleans is one of the most iconic food cities in the U.S., offering a wide range of culinary job opportunities for graduates with a diploma or degree in culinary arts. Here are some potential career opportunities in New Orleans:

• Chefs and Kitchen Staff: New Orleans is home to world-renowned restaurants in neighborhoods like the French Quarter, Bywater, and the Garden District. From classic Creole and Cajun dishes to modern Southern cuisine, aspiring chefs can find roles as line cooks, sous chefs, pastry chefs, or executive chefs in both casual and fine dining environments.
• Catering and Event Chefs: There is always something happening in New Orleans—from vibrant festivals and cultural traditions to weddings, sporting events, and corporate gatherings. Culinary graduates may find exciting opportunities with catering companies or event venues, preparing food for everything from Mardi Gras balls to high-end galas at places like the New Orleans Museum of Art. With New Orleans’ hospitality sector employing over 80,000 people and generating an estimated $10.4 billion annually, the industry continues to expand. This growth is expected to create even more opportunities for up-and-coming culinarians looking to break into the event catering space.
• Food Entrepreneurs: The city’s eclectic food culture and community support make it an excellent place to launch a culinary business. Opportunities include starting a food truck, pop-up concept, or specialty food brand. Events like the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience and Crescent City Farmers Market can help new entrepreneurs connect with local audiences.

To explore more culinary paths in New Orleans, check out our article, “13 Great Culinary Careers in the Food Industry.”

When choosing between Escoffier’s Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations and the Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts, it’s important to consider your long-term goals, the depth of training you’re seeking, and how quickly you want to enter the workforce. Neither program guarantees a higher salary in New Orleans’s culinary market; the best choice will likely depend on your individual goals and preferences.

Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations: This program focuses on the essential skills needed to begin working in the industry, including core cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and basic professional practices.

Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts Degree: This degree offers a broader, more in-depth culinary education. In addition to advanced culinary techniques, the program includes coursework in restaurant operations, foodservice accounting, business communication, and kitchen management. This option may be well-suited for those who want to pursue leadership roles, manage a kitchen, or open their own culinary business in the future.

Both programs can provide a strong foundation, and each includes an industry externship to build real-world experience. To find well-paying chef jobs in New Orleans, it’s also important to network, gain experience in a variety of kitchens, and continue developing your culinary skills over time.

Yes. Students in New Orleans who enroll in Escoffier’s online culinary programs have access to job search support through the school’s Career Services team—both during their studies and even after graduation.
Career Services can provide a range of resources to help students and alumni pursue their culinary goals, such as:

• One-on-one career coaching
• Resume and cover letter assistance
• Interview preparation
• Employer connections and job board access
• Guidance on networking and personal branding

Escoffier’s team can help you explore the next steps in your culinary career.

While Escoffier does not have a physical campus in New Orleans, it has been ranked by Niche.com as one of the best colleges for culinary arts in America in 2026, making it a top option for New Orleans residents looking for a flexible and highly regarded culinary education.

Escoffier is known for its experienced Chef Instructors, well-rounded curriculum, and focus on sustainability and farm-to-table practices. Students in New Orleans can enroll in fully online programs that cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Fundamental cooking techniques
• Foodservice operations and kitchen management
• Business and entrepreneurship skills
• Global and regional culinary concepts

All programs include a required industry externship, which students can complete in their local area to gain real-world experience in a professional kitchen.

In addition to Culinary Arts, Escoffier offers online courses in:

• Baking and Pastry Arts
• Food Entrepreneurship
• Plant-Based Culinary Arts
• Holistic Nutrition & Wellness
• Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management

For New Orleans residents who want to pursue a culinary career without relocating, Escoffier’s nationally-accredited school can be a great choice. To learn more, read our article on what you need to know about culinary school at Escoffier.