ONLINE CULINARY SCHOOL AVAILABLE IN HOUSTON
Earn your culinary degree or diploma from home while living in Houston.* Supplement your learning with practical experience through a hands-on externship in the industry. Financial aid options are available for those who apply and qualify.
*Escoffier’s online diploma and degree culinary programs are available through Escoffier’s Boulder, CO campus.
Next start date: Jan 8
Experience a Flexible Online Culinary Arts Education
Are you living in Houston and looking to pursue a culinary education with a flexible schedule that allows you to study from home? An online culinary program might be the perfect fit for you. Escoffier, the largest culinary school brand in the USA* and ranked #1 Best College for Culinary Arts in America in 2025,† can provide the flexibility you might be looking for.
With our online cooking courses and emphasis on essential business and career skills, you could be on your way to an exciting career while discovering Houston’s dynamic food scene, known for its diverse culinary traditions and thriving restaurant industry.
*Based on comparable student population data for Austin and Boulder as currently reported in Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
60 weeks
Escoffier’s online programs are designed to work with your schedule. In a little more than a year, you could earn a diploma or degree that can set you apart.
Externship
Apply what you learn in your classes. Get assistance finding an externship training opportunity in a professional kitchen in the Houston area.
Financial Aid
For students who apply and qualify, federal Pell grants and/or federal student loans are available. Learn about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
Escoffier Is Nationally Accredited
Escoffier’s online programs are available through Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).
Yes! Online Culinary School at Escoffier Really Works.
Escoffier has been providing accredited online culinary education since 2015, when our first non-degree online program was established.
Next start date: January 8, 2025
Gain Hands-On Experience Through Online Cooking Classes
Escoffier’s online culinary programs, offered through its Boulder, Colorado campus, are crafted to help you gain the necessary skills for the industry.
These online programs provide a comprehensive curriculum covering essential cooking techniques, kitchen management, and mentorship from experienced Chef Instructors. You can learn basic knife skills and cooking methods, as well as the business aspects of the culinary industry. This broad education from cooking school can prepare you for culinary positions and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Studying online while living in Houston offers a unique advantage by immersing you in a city known for its diverse and dynamic food scene. From legendary barbecue joints and Viet-Cajun cuisine to innovative fine dining establishments, the city’s vibrant food culture can significantly enrich your online education.*
Business-Focused Curriculum
Personalized Feedback
Farm to Table® Coursework
Career Assistance
Networking Opportunities
Flexible Learning
Learn the Same Skills as On-Campus Students
Houston residents can learn online with live classroom discussions and support from professional Chef Instructors. Here’s how it works:
LEARN
DISCUSS
EXPERIENCE
The online programs at Escoffier allow students to develop the same skills as ground campus students, but you complete the program in your own kitchen.”
Online Culinary School Tuition & Financial Aid Opportunities
*59% of Boulder students who entered postsecondary education for the first time received some financial assistance in 2022-23 for those who applied and qualified, College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics
Escoffier’s online programs are available through the Boulder, Colorado, campus. The average net price was $11,554 for grant or scholarship aid for students in the largest program for the time in academic year 2022-23.*
*College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics
Program Cost: $35,170†
Program Length: 60
weeks
Application Fee Waived for Enrollments between July 1 – December 31, 2024!*
Program Cost: $23,297†
Program Length: 60
weeks
Application Fee Waived for Enrollments between July 1 – December 31, 2024!*
†The total program cost listed above encompasses tuition, tool kit, uniform, a non-refundable application fee, and an optional non-refundable technology fee if you do not already have a computer. As textbooks are delivered electronically, the cost of books used in the program and available online to the students are included in the tuition cost. For more cost details, refer to our catalog.
*Prospective students enrolling from July 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 will receive an application fee waiver. The purpose of this waiver is to assist prospective students in the enrollment process by providing them with an opportunity to reallocate their resources toward other educational or personal needs.
The cost for Escoffier is substantially less compared to the other schools I researched. As far as the cost, Escoffier was definitely worth it. You can’t put a price tag on knowledge and education.”*
*This information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors such as geographical region or previous experience.
Receive Hands-on Training with Escoffier’s Online Programs
At Escoffier, studying online from Houston, TX, can allow you the possibility to complete an externship within the city’s iconic restaurant scene. This hands-on externship places you in the industry, letting you apply the techniques learned online. You can also gain mentorship from experienced culinary professionals, enhancing both your practical skills and industry knowledge.
- Networking opportunities with culinary professionals
- Real-world kitchen experience
- Professional skill development
“[Career Services department] sent over my application and my resume, and assisted me with setting up the [externship] interview. Within a week, I had an externship placement, and I was figuring out the logistics. That wouldn’t have even been a possibility for me if it had not been for the Chef Instructors and the support staff at Escoffier.”*
“The externship class allows students-even those with no prior experience-to get their foot in the door. Once they gain that valuable experience, it is easier for them to determine which path they want to take with their careers.”*
“All the puzzle pieces are starting to come together because of the real world experience that I now have, which I didn’t have before. It was hard to see these issues in place since I’ve never worked in a restaurant. Now [after my externship], I can see it.”*
*This information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors such as geographical region or previous experience.
Houston: Where Classic Barbecue Meets Global Culinary Influences
Earning a culinary degree or diploma online while residing in Houston can allow you to gain practical, hands-on experience within the city’s rich food culture.
Ranked a Top Food City in the U.S.*
*The Best Food Cities in the U.S., Travel + Leisure
14 James-Beard Award Winners*
*Houston Winners, James Beard Foundation
5 Restaurants on Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 Restaurants List*
Upcoming Houston Food Events
This market showcases fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal goods in a lively setting.
This event allows diners to enjoy special prix-fixe menus at some of Houston’s top restaurants, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Houston Food Bank.
This annual celebration features shrimp tastings, a cook-off, and live music on the historic Strand.
This festival is one of the oldest and most popular cultural festivals in the city, offering authentic Greek food, wine, dancing, and cultural exhibits.
This annual event celebrates all things pizza, featuring a variety of styles and flavors from local pizzerias, along with other family-friendly activities.
Attendees can take part in an annual celebration of Jamaican culture through authentic jerk cuisine, live music, and entertainment.
Earning an online culinary degree or diploma can put you at the heart of Houston’s vibrant and bustling food scene
Studying culinary arts online while living in Houston can equip you with essential skills for a wide array of culinary careers. By working alongside local chefs and gaining practical experience in Houston’s bustling food scene, you can be well on your way to achieving your culinary goals.
This combination of hands-on learning and industry-specific training from cooking school could help graduates work in various culinary settings. Houston’s vibrant job market can offer diverse opportunities, from authentic Tex-Mex restaurants to popular food trucks and innovative pop-ups. With such a diverse culinary landscape, Houston can be an excellent place for aspiring culinarians to learn and grow.
Houston’s dining scene is finally getting the recognition it deserves nationally, thanks to a mix of high-profile articles in the media, critical acclaim, and word of mouth.*
$51,830
Average salary for chefs & head cooks in Houston*
*Wages for Chefs and Head Cooks in Houston, TX, U.S. Department of Labor
$24.92
Average hourly wage for chefs & head cooks in Houston*
*Wages for Chefs and Head Cooks in Houston, TX, U.S. Department of Labor
2,700
Chefs & head cooks employed in Houston*
*Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics,
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Culinary School in Houston
How do I become a chef in Houston?
Pursuing a chef career in Houston typically involves blending a solid culinary education with hands-on experience. Here are some steps that can help you move closer to your goal:
Culinary Education: The online culinary arts program at Escoffier offers a thorough curriculum in culinary techniques and kitchen management, helping you to learn essential skills and pursue your education remotely. This program also includes an in-person industry externship, offering practical experience for an aspiring chef.
Gain Local Experience: You can complement your online learning with working in Houston’s dynamic culinary scene. The city features a diverse range of dining establishments, from trendy cafes to upscale restaurants. Externships in these environments can help you apply the skills you’ve learned in your courses.
Start with Entry-Level Positions: You can help launch your career by working as a line cook or prep cook in Houston’s restaurants. These entry-level roles are crucial for applying your skills in a professional setting and understanding the fast-paced nature of the culinary industry.
Network in Houston: Building a network is essential for career growth. Engage with Houston’s culinary community by attending local food festivals, culinary competitions, and events for food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs. Joining professional organizations, such as the Texas Chef Association’s Houston chapter, can connect you with experienced chefs and restaurateurs.
A combination of online education and practical experience in Houston can help train you for a culinary career. For a comprehensive guide on how to follow this path, explore our Essential Guide to Becoming a Chef.
What is the median salary for chefs and head cooks in Houston?
The median salary for a culinary chef in Houston is approximately $51,830 as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Is Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts accredited in Houston?
Escoffier is accredited in Houston! As one of the few U.S.-accredited institutions offering fully online degrees that incorporate culinary classes and hands-on industry externships, Escoffier stands out. Our online programs are available through the Boulder campus.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado, holds national accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).
Additionally, the school is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), Division of Private Occupational Schools. The Boulder campus is authorized by the CDHE to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
This accreditation was attained through rigorous curriculum development and the recruitment of faculty specialized in online education, which is essential for Escoffier’s culinary arts programs. These programs are offered fully online and include in-person industry externships.
How do I enroll in online culinary school at Escoffier?
Registering for an online culinary program from Houston is simple with Escoffier’s user-friendly platform, requiring only about 10 minutes. For a comprehensive overview of the enrollment process, consult our guide, “How to Get into Culinary School,” or contact our Admissions Department for personalized support.
Applications are accepted year-round. To apply, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Your location and demographic details
- Emergency contact information
- The program you’re interested in
- Proof of graduation
- A valid driver’s license, passport, or photo ID
After completing your application, you’ll be prompted to submit the $25 application fee and will receive an enrollment agreement packet via DocuSign.
Once your application is reviewed, an Admissions Team member will contact you to discuss the next steps. This is also an excellent opportunity to speak with the Student Finance Department about financing options. Financial aid is available to those who apply and qualify, making education accessible to many students.
Do I need a GED or high school diploma to enroll?
Yes, to enroll in online culinary school at Escoffier while living in Houston, you must provide proof of high school completion or an equivalent qualification before your planned start date.
Houston students can satisfy this requirement through one of the following options:
- A high school diploma or transcript
- Passing a high school equivalency exam such as the GED, HSED, HiSet, or TASC
- Documentation showing you have passed a state-authorized examination 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 college 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 required agency, academic transcripts, and proof of graduation
- A DD-214 form for U.S. veterans, indicating high school equivalency
How much does it cost to go to culinary school in Houston?
View the costs for all programs offered to students in Houston. Financial aid is available for those who apply and qualify.
To learn more about the financial aid process and to speak with a financial advisor, please get in touch with us.
Is financial aid or scholarships available?
Yes, financial aid is available for culinary school students in Houston who apply and meet the qualifications.
In the 2022-2023 academic year, the majority of first-time postsecondary students at Escoffier who qualified received some form of financial support. We recommend that prospective students reach out to our Financial Aid Department to determine their eligibility for grants or federally-backed loans.
Escoffier also offers scholarships for eligible online students, such as Work & Learn Scholarships, the Student Veteran Scholarship, and various merit-based scholarships.
Explore the available scholarships to see if you qualify.
What culinary job opportunities are available in Houston?
For graduates with a culinary arts degree or diploma in Houston, the city’s unique culinary scene can offer numerous job opportunities. Here are some possible career paths in Houston:
Chefs and Kitchen Staff: Houston’s dining scene, particularly in neighborhoods like Montrose, The Heights, and Midtown, is filled with both innovative and established restaurants. This culinary diversity may offer a wide range of job opportunities for graduates, covering various cuisines from classic Tex-Mex and barbecue to contemporary fusion and fine dining.
Private Chefs: The demand for personalized dining experiences in Houston can provide opportunities for private chefs to create custom menus. These menus can showcase local flavors and culinary creativity, catering to the city’s diverse population.
Catering and Event Chefs: Houston’s vibrant social, corporate, and cultural event scene can offer many opportunities for chefs specializing in catering. Roles in this sector typically require skills in menu planning, large-scale food production, and client service, with events frequently held in renowned venues such as The Houston Museum of Natural Science and the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Food Entrepreneurs: Houston’s dynamic food scene and emphasis on innovation can provide an ideal environment for launching food trucks, pop-up restaurants, or artisanal products. These startups can often be supported by local markets and events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
To discover more culinary job opportunities that could be available to you, check out our article, “13 Great Culinary Careers in the Food Industry.”
Which culinary degree is best for high-paying chef jobs in Houston?
Choosing between Escoffier’s Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations and the Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Culinary Arts requires considering several factors. Neither program guarantees a higher salary in Houston’s culinary market; the best choice will likely depend on the specific skills you’re looking to gain out of your education and your culinary goals.
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations: This program focuses on the essential skills needed to work in the culinary industry, teaching fundamental cooking techniques and basic professional skills. It typically takes less time to complete than an associate degree, making it a great option for those who want to quickly enter the workforce and gain hands-on experience.
Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts Degree: This degree teaches a comprehensive curriculum that includes both culinary skills and a broader understanding of culinary arts management. It covers culinary techniques, restaurant operations, foodservice accounting, and business communications. This program can be particularly beneficial for those aiming for higher professional levels or planning to start their own culinary business.
Both programs provide essential education and training for culinary careers. Achieving a well-paying chef position also involves leveraging Houston’s culinary networking opportunities, staying motivated, and practicing your skills in a real-world setting. Whether you choose a diploma or a degree, gaining experience through externships and ongoing professional development can be crucial to building your career as a chef.
Does Escoffier’s culinary school provide job search assistance after graduation for students in Houston, Texas?
Yes, culinary school online at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts can offer job search assistance to students in Houston upon graduation. The Career Services team provides coaching and resources to help students pursue their career goals and connect with employers that match their professional goals.
At Escoffier, students have access to Career Services support throughout their studies and can continue to benefit from this assistance even after graduation.
Is Escoffier the best culinary school in Houston?
Escoffier has been ranked by Niche as the #1 best college for culinary arts in America 2025, making it a great choice for residents of Houston, Texas. Our school is recognized for its experienced Chef Instructors, comprehensive curriculum, and emphasis on sustainability and farm-to-table practices. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including fundamental cooking techniques, foodservice management, foundational business skills, and diverse culinary concepts.
Our programs also include practical industry externships, offering essential hands-on culinary experience.
Beyond our culinary programs, Escoffier offers online courses in Baking and Pastry Arts, Food Entrepreneurship, Plant-Based Culinary Arts, Holistic Nutrition & Wellness, and Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management.
For those considering a culinary arts career in Houston, enrolling in online culinary school at Escoffier can be an excellent choice.
To learn more about what sets our school apart, read our article on what you need to know about culinary school at Escoffier.
Ready to attend online culinary school while living in Houston?