A Comparison of Professional Culinary Programs in Austin

ACC

Austin Community College Culinary Arts Program

Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent

Program started: 1999

Tuition: AAS degree: $11,000; Culinary Arts certificate: $5,000.

Scholarship opportunities: yes

Approx. number of students: 150

Faculty: 3 full time, 5 adjuncts

Student/teacher ratio: Classroom: up to 30/1; Lab/hands-on: 12/1

Student profile: Average age: 26; Age range: 19-65

Externship: 480 hours

Job placement services: yes

What's special? In-house catering business hires students. Student-operated "restaurant" serves public. Additional focus on nontraditional culinary careers such as event planning, teaching, food styling.

For more information: www2.austin.cc.tx.us/hospmgmt/
Virginia Stipp Lawrence, 223-5174

---

AISD

Austin Independent School District Culinary Arts Programs

Prerequisites: Completion of food science & nutrition courses

Program started: Crockett, 1968; Bowie, 1981; Austin, 1998; Johnston, 1999

Tuition: 0

Scholarship opportunities: yes

Approx. number of students: 60 in 4 schools

Faculty: 4, one per school

Student/teacher ratio: 15/1

Student profile: High school sophomores, juniors, seniors

Externship: Apprenticeships available

Job placement services: yes

What's special? Available free to all AISD high school students. Johnston baking apprenticeship is the only one in the city. Corporate partnerships with many Austin food businesses.

For more information: Pat Bell, 414-2679

---

TCA

Texas Culinary Academy

Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent

Program started: 1985

Tuition: AAS degree: $27,360. Culinary arts diploma: $16,840.

Scholarship opportunities: yes

Approx. number of students: 130

Faculty: 5 full time, 5 part time

Student/teacher ratio: 10/1

Student profile: Average age: 26. 70% male

Externship: 720 hours, paid

Job placement services: yes, lifetime

What's special? Faculty includes two certified master chefs and a certified executive chef. Emphasis on business and management as well as culinary skills. AAS program students receive laptop computer.

For more information: www.txca.com
John Stadnik, 323-2511

---

CAA

Culinary Academy of Austin

Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent

Program started: 1999

Tuition: Varies depending on combination of programs; approx. $1,200/month up to one year.

Scholarship opportunities: yes

Approx. number of students: 35

Faculty: 2 full time, 3 part time

Student/teacher ratio: 8/1

Student profile: Average age: early 30s

Externship: plans in process

Job placement services: yes

What's special? 5 modular programs available, including pastry arts diploma. Spanish language program. Affiliation with working catering business on premises.

For more information: chefs.home.texas.net
Glenn Mack, 451-5743

---

NEACA

Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts

Prerequisites: none

Program started: 1994

Tuition: Certificate of completion, Macrobiotic and Natural Food Specialist: $4,285.

Scholarship opportunities: yes

Approx. number of students: 30

Faculty: 2 full time, 1 part time

Student/teacher ratio: 12/1

Student profile: Average age: late 20s-early 30s; Age range: 19-70; 85% female

Externship: 160 hours, unpaid

Job placement services: yes

What's special? Vegetarian and vegan cooking; focus on nutrition, healing, and energetic aspects of food.

For more information: www.naturalepicurean.com
Jill Kivikko, 476-2276