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If you’re passionate about food, a career in the culinary arts may be right for you. Going to culinary school can help you acquire the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience required to work in the field.

But how much does it cost to go to culinary school compared to trade school or traditional college? It depends on where you go and the type of degree you pursue. Getting a bachelor’s degree at a private school can run as high as $120,000. However, going to an in-state public culinary school and/or pursuing a shorter (associate) degree can cost significantly less.

Getting a bachelor’s degree at a private school can run more than $100,000. However, going to an in-state public culinary school and/or pursuing a shorter (associate) degree can cost significantly less.

This guide will examine culinary school cost factors and payment options to help you decide if it’s the right move for your future.

Tuition Rates for Culinary Schools

The cost of culinary school will depend on what degree you pursue and whether you go to a private or public college.

Getting an associate degree at a public school may cost less than $10,000 if you live in-state, or $30,000 or more if you live out-of-state.

An associate degree at a private culinary school, on the other hand, can run $50,000 to $56,000.

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the culinary arts generally comes with a higher price tag. At a public school, it can cost $47,000 to $50,000 (if you live in-state) and $50,000 to $100,000 (if you live out-of-state). The cost of getting a bachelor’s degree at a private school can run around $120,000.

When evaluating a program’s sticker price, keep in mind that tuition pricing may reflect a standalone semester, rather than the entire program cost. Depending on your field of study and type of degree you pursue, you may need anywhere from four to eight semesters to finish a program or degree.

Why Is Culinary School So Expensive?

Culinary schools can have an intensive structure. Condensed schedules can translate to more time spent in both the classroom and kitchen than typical college students.

Whereas a lecture hall can accommodate hundreds of students for a course, culinary students typically receive more one-on-one instructions in smaller class sizes. Also, culinary coursework that involves cooking and baking has the added cost of buying ingredients and materials.

Culinary school costs might also include purchasing cooking equipment, such as knives, cutting boards, and a kitchen uniform. Depending on the program, these may be automatically factored into the tuition price or tacked on as an additional fee.

Recommended: What Is the Average Cost of College Tuition in 2024?

Types of Culinary Degrees Available

You have a variety of options to choose from for a culinary degree. The types of schools offering culinary degrees include technical schools, community colleges, four-year colleges, and independent culinary institutes.

Students can choose from certificate programs, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts.

Certificate programs are usually the shortest to complete with one to two semesters of coursework and training. Associate programs generally last two years and may incorporate a mix of hands-on training, internships, and coursework. Bachelor’s degrees require more time ― generally four years ― to complete but can help further develop culinary skills and knowledge in related subjects like business and nutrition.

Culinary degrees can also focus on a specific discipline, such as baking and pastry arts or hospitality and restaurant management.

How Can You Pay for Culinary School?

A combination of funding sources may be required to cover tuition, equipment, and related expenses. Prospective students and parents can consider the following options to pay for culinary school.

Grants and Scholarships

Figuring out how much culinary school is going to set you back starts with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. You may qualify for assistance in the form of grants if you have significant financial need.

There are also numerous culinary-specific scholarships that you can apply for. The National Restaurant Association awards merit-based scholarships between $2,500 to $10,000 for students pursuing undergraduate degrees in culinary arts and related fields.

Some additional grant and scholarship opportunities include:

•  The James Beard Foundation: This nonprofit organization awards scholarships, tuition waivers, and work-study grants to students attending accredited culinary schools.

•  The American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF): Full-time students attending accredited culinary schools can apply for an AIWF scholarship from local chapters in California and Kansas.

•  Rachel Ray, Yum-o!: The famous Food Network chef’s nonprofit funds culinary scholarships in partnership with the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation.

You can also explore grants for college from state government and private organizations for additional funding.

Federal Student Loans

Students may need to use student loans when scholarships and grants aren’t sufficient, and they cannot afford to pay out of pocket.

Through the Federal Direct Loan Program, you can access both subsidized and unsubsidized loans to pay for school. Subsidized loans are awarded based on a student’s financial need. The Department of Education pays the interest on subsidized loans while you are studying at least half-time and during the six-month grace period after leaving school. You may be eligible to defer loan payments further if you attend graduate school, join the military, or experience financial hardship.

Unsubsidized loans don’t require financial need to be eligible. Schools determine how much students can borrow based on the cost of attendance and a student’s total financial aid package. Interest on unsubsidized loans begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed.

Recommended: Types of Federal Student Loans

Employment

If financial aid isn’t enough to cover culinary school costs in full, working while studying could help pay the remainder.

Students with financial need may qualify for part-time employment through the Federal-Work Study Program. Work-study jobs are typically geared towards a student’s area of study or community service. Awards can vary according to the student’s need, the timing of application, and how much total funding is available at a given participating school.

Finding part-time work at a restaurant or food-related enterprise is another funding option that also supports professional development.

Private Student Loans

If financial aid and other sources aren’t enough to pay for culinary school in full, you can consider a private student loan.

You can obtain private student loans from banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Some students may need a cosigner to qualify for private student loans due to a lack of credit history and income.

Private student loan interest rates and loan terms vary by lender, which gives borrowers more choice in term length. However, private student loans do not carry the same borrower protections as federal student loans, such as income-driven repayment plans, deferment or forbearance, or the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. You may want to consider private student loans as an option only after you have exhausted all other sources of aid, including federal student loans.

The Takeaway

While many food service and restaurant jobs don’t require education beyond a high school diploma, completing culinary school could lead to a higher-paying career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary in 2024 for chefs and head cooks at restaurants was $60,990. With experience, you can earn considerably more. According to Glassdoor, the average annual pay for an executive chef in New York City is $80,000.

There are numerous ways to cover the cost of culinary school, including federal and private student loans, work-study, financial aid, and scholarships.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

What additional expenses are there beyond culinary school tuition?

Additional costs include chef uniforms, knife sets, textbooks, kitchen tools, and lab/technology fees, which often total between $1,000 and $4,000.

Are financial aid and financing options available for culinary school students?

Yes — students can pursue federal and private loans, scholarships, grants, and payment plans to help offset tuition and related expenses.

How can students save money on culinary school?

Students can save money on culinary school by applying for scholarships, grants, and financial aid, choosing affordable institutions, enrolling in part-time or online programs, and seeking out apprenticeships or internships that offer hands-on experience and potentially reduce tuition costs.

Photo credit: iStock/visualspace

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOISL-Q325-047

When you fill out your college applications, you may have the option of declaring your intended major. Selecting a major at this stage of the game often isn’t required, and many students don’t. However, you may be wondering –- will declaring a major improve (or potentially hurt) your chances of getting into a college?

Whether it’s better to begin college as an undecided major or select a major before you arrive on campus will depend on your situation, as well as the school and program you are applying to. Here’s what you need to know about applying to college with or without declaring a major.

What It Means to Declare a Major

Declaring a major can have varying levels of importance, depending on which school you’re applying to. At some schools, choosing a major merely indicates an interest in a field of study.

It could be okay to swap majors later as well, and the major you declare on your application could have little to no bearing on your chances of getting admitted to the school.

However, at some schools, and even within particular programs, declaring a major is a much bigger decision. It indicates that the student only wants to attend for that specific program and could come with more weight on whether the applicant is accepted or not.

It can be a good idea to inquire further from the admissions department at each school you are applying to, or even reach out to the department heads of their prospective majors to learn more.

What It Means to Be Undeclared

Going into the application process as an undeclared student can be okay, so long as you understand how it could affect your chances of admission. Applying undeclared indicates to a school that you aren’t quite ready to commit to a program yet.

However, by applying at all, you are still showing your commitment and desire to attend that college or university, which may matter most.

Recommended: Ultimate College Application Checklist

When It Makes Sense to Declare a Major

If you’ve known what you’ve wanted to do since childhood — and there is absolutely nothing standing in the way of your goals — then you may want to go ahead and make that declaration. Manifest it into the universe by saying, “yes, I will study this and only this,” and mark it on every application.

Of course, there are also other reasons to declare. Some programs require choosing a major for admittance. This is typical of particularly competitive programs. This way, admissions officers know who is serious and who isn’t.

Some programs within specific universities may have additional requirements or supplemental essays with student applications. For example, Yale and Cornell both offer supplemental essays for students applying to engineering programs. UPenn even requires a separate application for its international business program, the Huntsman.

It’s a good idea to check in with the college or university you are applying to and make certain your application is in order, particularly if you intend on applying to a rigorous or competitive program.

One more reason you may want to consider declaring a major is if you are going to apply for any study-specific scholarships. By declaring a major, you may become eligible for additional financial support including department-specific aid, housing, or professional development that are open only to specific majors.

Recommended: Penn State Tuition Guide

When It’s Okay to Remain Undeclared

Look, no one is going to fault a teenager for not having their entire life mapped out by the time they turn 18. You may know you want to gain a higher education, but are unsure exactly what you want to study, and that is totally okay too.

The good news is, many schools don’t require students to declare a major when they apply. In fact, some colleges and universities require students to take a number of general education courses in their first and second year in school. This provides students with not only a well-rounded education, but also with the opportunity to explore new things and discover potential passions they didn’t know they had before.

Some colleges and universities even offer “undeclared courses” to help students find the right path for them.

Essentially, if you are truly unsure of what you want to study, you will likely want to check “undeclared.” However, you may not want to use this as a way into a college or university believing you can transfer into your preferred program later as there is no guarantee that will happen. At which point, you might have to make a tough decision — pick a new major or transfer schools.

Recommended: Understanding Lower Division Vs. Upper Division Courses

How Being Undeclared Could Affect a College Experience

Being undeclared has both its pros and cons as a college student. As mentioned above, it could afford you more opportunity to explore several different fields of study at once, meet people from across your college, and even potentially decide you want to study more than one field and go for either a dual major or a major and a minor.

However, there are pitfalls you’ll also want to be aware of.

By going into college as an undeclared major, you may end up taking classes that do not count toward their college degree, adding up to both a waste of time and money.

Undeclared students may also find themselves left in the lurch when it comes time to apply to their preferred program. If they do not get in, then they may be forced to quickly pivot and find a new path.

Students admitted to college as an undeclared major may also miss out on important social aspects of college as well. If you declare a major in your third year, you could be entering a program where the rest of the students have all worked and studied together for the previous two years.

College is a surprisingly important place to learn to network and form life-long relationships, and declaring a major early could help.

Get at Least One Decision Off Your Plate

Whether you decide to go into the application as a declared or undeclared major, it can be a good idea to at least ensure all your financial ducks are in a row to pay for that college education.

Being financially prepared from the get-go can help you feel more at ease with exploring different academic pursuits, or going all-in on your dream program, without worrying about paying for tuition along the way. There are different kinds of student loans to familiarize yourself with.

A great first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will let you know if you qualify for any federal or state financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans.

Once you get your financial aid package, however, you may find there are still gaps in funding. At this point, you might consider applying for a private student loan. These are available through banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms will vary depending on the lender, but students who have excellent credit (or who can recruit a cosigner who does) generally qualify for the lowest rates.

The Takeaway

There are pros and cons to applying to school undecided and with a major. It’s likely wise to do what genuinely reflects your interests and commitments to a specific program. If you know what you want to pursue, you can lock into the schedule that helps you hit your marks, socialize with like-minded peers, and move ahead. If, however, you are not sure of your path, it can make sense to take your time to discuss what speaks to you vs. signing up for a field of study that winds up not being a good fit.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Does it look bad to apply to college with an undecided major?

Typically, Applying as an undecided major does not have a negative impact on your application as an undergraduate. Many schools understand that students may not yet be sure about their specific academic interests and may be open to exploring different fields.

Is it easier to get accepted as undeclared?

In general, it doesn’t make a difference if you are undeclared or have declared a major when applying to college. However, for competitive programs, it may have an impact. For example, if you are applying as a business major to a university with a very competitive business major, you might have a harder time getting in than if you were applying as undecided (or any other major, for that matter) if those programs were less in demand.

What percent of students apply undecided?

Approximately 50% of students apply to college as undecided or without having declared their intended major.

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

A physician assistant (PA) is a medical professional who handles a variety of key responsibilities, including diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, prescribing medications, and serving as the principal healthcare provider for many patients.

Gaining the skills necessary to take on these medical responsibilities involves a master’s degree level of education, as well as a bachelor’s degree, an average of 3,000+ hours of direct patient contact, and more than 2,000 hours of clinical rotations (beyond classroom instruction).

The cost of a physician assistant program can range from $20,000 to over $100,000 per year, with the average cost of the entire program sitting at just over $98,000. Keep reading to learn more on the cost of PA school and how to pay for it.

PA Program Cost

The Physician Assistant Life collated information from three key resources to arrive at average costs for the 2025-2026 application cycle: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), and a recent NCCPA Statistical Report. Here’s what they found:

•   The average cost of a 27-month resident PA program (including public and private) is $98,075.

•   The average cost of a 27-month PA program (including public and private) for nonresident students is $107,288.

•   The average total resident tuition and nonresident tuition were higher for PA programs from private institutions than for those from public institutions.

•   There was a 5.33% increase in the average total resident tuition for public and private institutions, and a 3.5% increase in nonresident tuition over the last five years.

Paying Physician Assistant Program Costs

After making the decision to become a physician assistant, it then becomes time to figure out how to pay for the PA program.

The first step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to be considered for federal student aid. Often (but not always), by the time that someone is ready to fill out the FAFSA for PA school, they will be considered an independent student, someone who no longer needs to include parental financial information in the application.

Federal Student Aid

The results of the FAFSA application will determine eligibility for federal aid, including:

•  Federal student loans

•  Federal grants

•  Federal work-study options

Federal loans can be a popular way to pay physician assistant program costs for several reasons, including the fact that payments:

•  Can be deferred until after graduation

•  Can sometimes qualify a student for tax deductions

•  May come with the potential for loan forgiveness

The types of federal loans available for graduate students are slightly different from those available to undergraduate students. The borrowing ceiling is higher, but interest rates typically are, as well. PA students may qualify for a Grad PLUS Loan if enrolled at least half time without any adverse credit history.

Note that Grad PLUS Loans will no longer be available as of July 1, 2026. Borrowers who already received a Grad PLUS loan before June 30, 2026, can continue borrowing under current terms through the 2028-29 academic year.

Federal Grants and Work Study Programs

Federal grants can provide significant financial relief for PA students. Programs like the Federal Pell Grant and the TEACH Grant are designed to help students with financial need, offering funds that do not need to be repaid. Check StudentAid.gov for more information on federal grants.

PA students may also be eligible for work-study based on the FAFSA. Typically, students need to apply for these jobs, often ones at the university. Besides helping PA students to earn money, these jobs could be in the medical field, which can help students gain valuable experience.

University Help

Students can check to see what grants, scholarships, and/or fellowships their university offers by contacting the financial aid office. Some institutions use the FAFSA information to determine eligibility, while others have their own applications. Awards can range from a small grant to the amount of the full tuition. Check deadlines for school-specific financial aid to meet them successfully.

More About Grants and Scholarships

Scholarships are available through the federal government, as well as through states, non-profit agencies, organizations, companies, and more. In general, these are merit-based and don’t require repayment. (By contrast, grants are typically need-based.)

There are numerous grants and scholarships that are specifically designed to help with PA program costs. As just one example, the Physician Assistant Foundation has provided more than $2.7 million in scholarships to more than 1,600 future PAs. Requirements include:

•  Being a student member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)

•  Attending a PA program that is ARC-PA-accredited

•  Completing at least one quarter or semester in PA studies

•  Being in good standing, academically

•  Being enrolled in a PA program during the application cycle

Grants to cover PA program costs can get more niche, such as Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology’s APAO Student Scholarship. Requirements include:

•  Being an APAO member or applicant who is in the last year of an ARC-PA-accredited program

•  Being in the clinical phase, having already completed or nearly completed basic science courses

•  Not receiving a PA foundation or other specialty organization scholarship

•  Having a strong interest in the oncology field; clinical rotation in an oncology speciality is strongly encouraged

•  Having a minimum GPA of 3.0

As another example, Physician Assistants Orthopaedic Surgery, Inc. offers the annual Susan Lindahl Memorial Scholarship, providing four $5,000 scholarships each year.

Members of the National Guard may qualify for the Medical Professional Officer Accession Bonus (OAB). To find state scholarships and grants, contact the appropriate state’s Department of Education.

There are also state-specific PA scholarships, such as those offered by the California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA). Student members of CAPA can be eligible for one of five different $2,000 scholarships.

It may help to look for opportunities from where the student’s bachelor’s degree was obtained. For example, if you are a member of a fraternity or sorority, there may be scholarships available to cover PA program costs.

Fellowships

Graduate fellowships usually require that a student study, work, or research in the PA field, which means that they can gain useful experience while also earning money for the physician assistant program costs.

To find opportunities, talk to your university’s financial aid department or reach out to non-profit agencies connected to the PA field. The application process can be rigorous but can also be quite worthwhile.

Additional Funding Ideas to Consider

When determining what PA school will cost, you’ll want to factor in any federal funding options (loans, grants, and scholarships), university help, and other grants, scholarships, and fellowships you may be eligible for. You’ll next need to consider what, if any, gaps in funding are left.

Ways to cover that gap can include employer tuition reimbursement, becoming an in-state resident, becoming a resident advisor (RA), working as a teaching assistant (TA), and private student loans. Here’s a closer look at each.

Employer Tuition Reimbursement

Some employers reimburse employees for a certain part of their education costs. It can be worth checking what is available, how to apply, and what constraints might exist. A company might, for example, only reimburse funds for certain degrees or they may require that a student receiving reimbursement stay at the company for a predetermined amount of time.

Some employers may provide employees with professional development funding. If so, you may want to find out whether this can be used towards PA program costs.

In-State Resident

You can often save a significant sum of money by attending a public university in the state where you live. Each state determines residency in different ways, so if you’re thinking about relocating to take advantage of in-state residency savings, check to see what residency requirements are. Some states mandate one year of full-time residency, while others may require three.

Resident Advisor

RAs help new students get settled into dorm life and are compensated for their work. This usually includes part, if not all, of their room and board; perhaps a meal plan; and sometimes a reduction in tuition. Plus, RAs typically can get their own room, which can make studying easier (although this job does come with plenty of responsibilities and interruptions). How much an RA is compensated varies by university.

Teacher Assistant

This can involve prep work for teaching, organizing lab work, conducting research, grading papers, and more. Payment can come in the form of reduced tuition or a stipend. Besides helping with PA program costs, being a teaching assistant can provide experience in the field and allow students to network with industry experts.

Private Student Loans

If additional funds are needed, private graduate student loans can help. Private student loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections that automatically come with federal student loans. But if you are looking for supplemental funding for your PA program, private student loans may be worth looking into.

Recommended: A Complete Guide to Private Student Loans

The Takeaway

PA school costs can vary widely, ranging from $20,000 to over $100,000, depending on the program and institution. Public schools and scholarships can reduce expenses, but students should also consider living costs, books, and supplies.
Financing options like federal loans and private loans with low interest rates are available to help manage the financial burden.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Is PA school cheaper than medical school?

PA school is generally cheaper than medical school. Tuition for PA programs typically ranges from $20,000 to $100,000, while medical school can cost upwards of $200,000. PA programs are also shorter, usually 2-3 years, compared to four years for medical school.

How expensive is it to become a PA?

Becoming a PA can be costly, with tuition ranging from $30,000 to over $100,000, depending on the program. Additional expenses include books, supplies, and living costs. Financial aid, scholarships, and part-time work can help manage these expenses.

How can you save money on PA school?

To save money on PA school, consider attending a public institution, applying for scholarships and grants, working part-time, and choosing a program with a lower cost of living. Additionally, explore federal and private loans with lower interest rates and flexible repayment options.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.