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Culinary school in Virginia

15 culinary programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

13 schools offer these culinary arts programs, and Virginia has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Chefs and head cooks run the daily food preparation in restaurants and other places that serve food. Most start with a high school diploma and kitchen experience; some go through a culinary program at a community college, technical school or culinary school, and others learn in an apprenticeship.1

In Virginia, 10 of the 15 programs take students without a high school diploma and 5 ask for a diploma or equivalent.

By kind, the 15 programs here are cooking and kitchen job training (8 programs), culinary arts certificate or diploma (2 programs), culinary program (level not stated, 2 programs), culinary arts (associate degree, 1 program), and 2 more of 2 other kinds.

See the 15 programs

How much does culinary school cost in Virginia?

$2,695 to $11,257 is what most culinary programs in Virginia cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 15 programs with a price. All of them: $795 to $30,223

In the typical program

Finished the program
91%
Working 6 months later
57%
Earned a year, estimated
Not enough data
3 programs report it; a typical figure needs 5
Length
9 to 32 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Virginia may also offer culinary school. How these figures are made

Is there free culinary school in Virginia?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 15 culinary programs in Virginia approved for WIOA funding

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15 programs

  • Culinary arts (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts

    ECPI University (LWDB-Hampton Roads)

    Virginia Beach

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    ECPI University (LWDB-Hampton Roads), Virginia BeachCulinary arts (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$30,223
    More details about Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts at ECPI University (LWDB-Hampton Roads)
    Finished
    58%
    Working at 6 months
    47%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    60 weeks, 1 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    223
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $30,223

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Diploma in Culinary Arts

    ECPI University (LWDB-Hampton Roads)

    Virginia Beach

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    ECPI University (LWDB-Hampton Roads), Virginia BeachCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$15,324
    More details about Diploma in Culinary Arts at ECPI University (LWDB-Hampton Roads)
    Finished
    30%
    Working at 6 months
    17%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    30 weeks, 1 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    106
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $15,324

  • Cooking and kitchen job trainingIn personNo diploma needed

    Job Training and Personal Development Program

    Together We Bake

    Alexandria

    No diploma needed

    Together We Bake, AlexandriaCooking and kitchen job trainingIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,890
    More details about Job Training and Personal Development Program at Together We Bake
    Finished
    91%
    Working at 6 months
    55%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 4 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $110
    Students counted
    88
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,890

  • Cooking and kitchen job trainingIn personNo diploma needed

    Job Skills Training Program (JSTP) Culinary Arts Program

    Tidewater Community College

    Norfolk

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Tidewater Community College, NorfolkCooking and kitchen job training · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$15,400
    Price if you pay yourself$4,500

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    More details about Job Skills Training Program (JSTP) Culinary Arts Program at Tidewater Community College
    Finished
    85%
    Working at 6 months
    67%
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,849
    Length
    12 weeks, 35 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    70
    Earned a year, estimated
    $15,400
    Price if you pay yourself
    $4,500
    students trained with WIOA funding
    3

  • Culinary program (level not stated)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Culinary Arts and Management

    Central Virginia Community College

    Lynchburg

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Central Virginia Community College, LynchburgCulinary program (level not stated) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$34,400
    Price if you pay yourself$10,514
    More details about Culinary Arts and Management at Central Virginia Community College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    60%
    Earned in a quarter
    $8,599
    Length
    64 weeks, 1 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,300
    Students counted
    64
    Earned a year, estimated
    $34,400
    Price if you pay yourself
    $10,514

  • Cooking and kitchen job trainingIn personNo diploma needed

    Bilingual Culinary Job Training Program

    La Cocina VA (DBA Kitchen of Purpose

    Arlington

    No diploma needed

    La Cocina VA (DBA Kitchen of Purpose, ArlingtonCooking and kitchen job trainingIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$25,500
    Price if you pay yourself$12,000

    6 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Bilingual Culinary Job Training Program at La Cocina VA (DBA Kitchen of Purpose
    More details about Bilingual Culinary Job Training Program at La Cocina VA (DBA Kitchen of Purpose
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    $6,366
    Length
    16 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    40
    Earned a year, estimated
    $25,500
    Price if you pay yourself
    $12,000
    students trained with WIOA funding
    6
    School website, Bilingual Culinary Job Training Program at La Cocina VA (DBA Kitchen of Purpose

  • Cooking and kitchen job trainingIn personNo diploma needed

    Baking Training Program

    La Cocina VA (DBA Kitchen of Purpose

    Arlington

    No diploma needed

    La Cocina VA (DBA Kitchen of Purpose, ArlingtonCooking and kitchen job trainingIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$12,000
    School website, Baking Training Program at La Cocina VA (DBA Kitchen of Purpose
    More details about Baking Training Program at La Cocina VA (DBA Kitchen of Purpose
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    12 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    16
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $12,000
    School website, Baking Training Program at La Cocina VA (DBA Kitchen of Purpose

  • Baking and pastry certificate or diplomaHybridNo diploma needed

    Baking & Pastry Career Studies Certificate

    Virginia Western Community College

    Roanoke

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Virginia Western Community College, RoanokeBaking and pastry certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$4,592
    More details about Baking & Pastry Career Studies Certificate at Virginia Western Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 27 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $982
    Students counted
    11
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $4,592

  • Cooking and kitchen job trainingIn personNo diploma needed

    Food Service Employment Training

    Culinary Coach LLC

    Chester

    No diploma needed

    Culinary Coach LLC, ChesterCooking and kitchen job trainingIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$795
    Program website, Food Service Employment Training at Culinary Coach LLC
    More details about Food Service Employment Training at Culinary Coach LLC
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    1 week, 16 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $655
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $795
    Program website, Food Service Employment Training at Culinary Coach LLC

  • Cooking and kitchen job trainingIn personNo diploma needed

    Line Cook Prep for SERV Safe

    University of The Potomac

    Falls Church

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    University of The Potomac, Falls ChurchCooking and kitchen job training · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,000
    More details about Line Cook Prep for SERV Safe at University of The Potomac
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    12 weeks, 45 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,000

  • Culinary program (level not stated)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Culinary Arts

    Patrick Henry Community College

    Martinsville

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Patrick Henry Community College, MartinsvilleCulinary program (level not stated) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,124
    More details about Culinary Arts at Patrick Henry Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 6 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $761
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,124

  • Cooking and kitchen job trainingIn personNo diploma needed

    Meal Production Training Program

    Feeding Southwest Virginia

    Salem

    No diploma needed

    Feeding Southwest Virginia, SalemCooking and kitchen job trainingIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,500
    More details about Meal Production Training Program at Feeding Southwest Virginia
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    8 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,500

  • Culinary apprenticeshipIn personNo diploma needed

    Culinary Hospitality Apprenticeship Program

    The Turn Around Place (TAP)

    Chesapeake

    No diploma needed

    The Turn Around Place (TAP), ChesapeakeCulinary apprenticeshipIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,800
    More details about Culinary Hospitality Apprenticeship Program at The Turn Around Place (TAP)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    52 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $700
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,800

  • Cooking and kitchen job trainingIn personNo diploma needed

    Go Cook Training Program

    Culinary Concepts AB

    Charlottesville

    No diploma needed

    Culinary Concepts AB, CharlottesvilleCooking and kitchen job trainingIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,800
    More details about Go Cook Training Program at Culinary Concepts AB
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    6 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,500
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,800

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Culinary Arts - Certificate Program

    Mountain Gateway Community College

    Clifton Forge

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Mountain Gateway Community College, Clifton ForgeCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$4,925
    More details about Culinary Arts - Certificate Program at Mountain Gateway Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    10 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $4,925

How to pay for culinary school in Virginia

WIOA funding can pay for culinary school in Virginia

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for culinary school

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.67

GI Bill for culinary school

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.8

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Quick facts: Culinary school in Virginia

programs with a price cost under $3,000
5 of 15
lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
7th of 28
culinary programs here, against the typical state's 8
15 vs 8

State comparisons use the same figures as the culinary school by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

Culinary school in Virginia Beach, Washington, Roanoke and other Virginia cities

Choosing an area filters the program list above. 1 more program is in 1 other area, 1 in smaller cities and towns.

Other training in Virginia

How culinary school compares with the rest of food and hospitality: Culinary and hospitality programs in Virginia

Where the Virginia culinary arts program numbers come from

Which Virginia culinary arts programs are on this list?

These are the culinary arts programs Virginia approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).9 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what Virginia offers.

How the prices and results of Virginia culinary arts programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about culinary school in Virginia

Show the 9 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Chefs and Head Cooks
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  5. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  8. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  9. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List