Culinary programs in California

112 culinary programs at 62 California schools are in the federal data. Where earnings are reported (3 programs), the state median is $40,275 one year after completion, 18% above the national median of $33,992. Median borrower debt is $10,916.

*Scorecard's estimated monthly payment on the median debt over 10 years. “Not reported” means the Department suppressed or did not publish the figure.

Culinary programs by city in California

Before you choose a culinary school in California

There is no single required license for cooks; employers often value experience, and food-safety manager certifications are common requirements.

• What do graduates typically earn compared with the program's debt?
• Is an externship or paid stage included?
• Are knives and uniforms included in the price?

More programs in California

All California programs · Culinary Arts & Baking nationwide

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard Field of Study and Institution files (release dated 10/15/2026). Earnings are median annual earnings of completers working and not enrolled one year after finishing; debt is median federal loan debt of borrowers; both describe past cohorts and small programs are suppressed by the Department. See our methodology.