Community College vs. Culinary School

[theloggg]

I have been accepted to start the culinary program at the Art Institute at Seattle in October. I have heard many people say for the most part it doesn't matter where you go to school, if you want to learn, you will. AKA, what you put in is what you'll get out. The AIS is going to cost me $30,000ish versus $600ish for a local community college.

My question is, do you feel the AIS program is worth $29,400ish more? Am I going to have more (and better) job opportunities with an AIS degree vs. a CC degree?

Also, I'll be 31 when I graduate (career change) and I'm looking for a program that is going to help me not only with the degree, but also a reputation so I can start moving on my career. And I eventually want to live in Seattle. Thanks for any advice.

[m brown]

loggster,

go to the community college and talk with the chefs. are they professionals moonlighting and have great contacts or retierd home ec teachers who have a way with hamberger helper? are they involved in local food shows, do they have a sister school in another state? are they accredited. where did the instrutors study, work etc.......you might find a diamond in the rough!

loggster,
I am making the same decision, and right now South Seattle c.c. is winning. I know two culinary school graduates in Seattle. One went to sscc's pastry/specialty baking program and got alot out of it; When I spoke to her she was working her way up in the Four Seasons Seattle. The other went to AIS and isn't working in a cooking related field at all. So, its all relative. Actually, my decision is based more on other factors (for one thing, AIS doesn't have a pastry/baking program.) If you don't already live in Seattle, you might also want to consider the cost of living and the difficulty of finding housing. Good luck!
tamar

[theloggg]

M Brown- Thanks for advice. I sent an email to the instructors at the local CC and hopefully I'll be able to meet with them soon.

Tamar- thanks for your advice. I'm not too worried about the cost of living or housing availability in Seattle. I'm in the SF Bay area now and I'm looking for a studio here. If I'm able to find one, I'll be looking at $750-$1000 a month (for a studio!!). Any place is cheaper than here.

I would love to hear more opinions if anyone else has one. Thanks.

Hello!

I changed careers at 30, after an 8 week professional cooking class (that met once a week & cost $250).

I worked my way from prep cook, to pantry supervisor, garde manger, baker and finally Asst Pastry Chef.

I almost went to NECI, (I'm from VT) but at the last minute decided not to. I'm no longer working in a pro kitchen, so for me, it was a good move.

If I had stayed in the biz, I would have taken advanced classes, to earn certification at least.

So my recommendation is get a job first, and then decide how much to spend on your continuing education. You'll be starting at the bottom, no matter how much you spend anyway!!

Good luck!
~Tracy