Culinary Arts Schools in Colorado

Students of culinary schools in Colorado have much to draw from. Although there's some debate as to what constitutes Coloradan food, there's no doubt that the state's Mexican and Native American past, organic vegetables and grass-fed beef make for tasty cuisine. You probably won't find better green chili than in Colorado - although many restaurants claim to serve the very best one. Lean buffalo meat is more in vogue than ever, and Colorado Springs might be the epicenter of the buffalo burger. Community-supported agriculture is another big trend, in which individuals and families buy a share of a local organic farm and receive fresh produce on a regular basis: farm-fresh ingredients are every chef's best starting point to create wholesome and organic meals, which are very much in demand. Additionally, Colorado is one of the top states in the nation for the number of craft breweries per capita. Following culinary school, Colorado students have an opportunity to participate in this burgeoning culinary scene and more.

Colorado Culinary Schools: Students Wanted

Even beyond the pristine slopes of Rocky Mountain ski resorts there are plenty of employment opportunities in the food and beverage business. According to data compiled by the National Restaurant Association, restaurant jobs represent 10 percent of Colorado employment with significant growth of 14.4 percent projected throughout the next decade. This could result in more than 34,000 new jobs by 2022. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, chefs working in Colorado earned a mean annual wage of $47,340 as of May 2011. From the flat eastern plains that border Kansas to the national forests in the southern part of the state, you are never far from a restaurant, as Colorado had more than 10,300 eating and drinking establishments as of 2010.

Many employers do not require degrees from a culinary or pastry school in order to secure employment, but a degree from a culinary institute may help you advance in your career. Colorado is home to myriad high-end restaurants, particularly in fancy resort areas, and having a degree might give you an edge over other applicants. Peruse the list of culinary schools in Colorado below to help you get started.

Additional Resources and Information for Culinary Students
The 2012 Zagat survey on dining trends
Colorado's restaurant sector according to data from the National Restaurant Association
Bureau of Labor Statistics for Colorado chef and head cook employment wages

Browse Top Colorado Culinary Schools to Get Started!

Note: This list also contains schools that accept culinary students from Colorado.

The Art Institutes

The Art Institutes

The Art Institutes system of schools offers a range of master's, bachelor's, and associate's degree programs, as well as diploma and certificate programs specializing in the creative and applied arts. We also offer a variety of online, evening, and weekend learning options, so there's an education solution to fit your schedule. And our professional-grade technology can give you the practical skills to match your ideas—helping you transform your creative energy into a fulfilling career.

Programs:

Culinary Arts (D)
Culinary Arts (AAS)
Baking & Pastry (D)

Campus Locations:

Denver
Auguste Escoffier Schools of Culinary Arts

Auguste Escoffier Schools of Culinary Arts

Fire up your new career with Auguste Escoffier Schools of Culinary Arts. We offer three programs for careers in the culinary industry, including culinary arts, pastry arts, as well as a chef track.

Programs:

Diploma in Culinary Arts
Diploma in Pastry Arts - 15 week Part Time Extended Program

Campus Locations:

Boulder
Argosy University

Argosy University

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology andBehavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies, as well as certificate programs in many areas.

Programs:

Master of Science in Service Sector Management (M.S.)

Campus Locations:

Denver

Find Culinary Schools in Colorado by City

Denver | Grand Junction

Other Colorado Culinary Schools

School Name City or Town Programs Offered
Culinary School of the Rockies Boulder Baking and Pastry Arts
Pikes Peak Community College Colorado Springs Baking and Pastry (AAS)
Cook Street School of Fine Cooking Denver Culinary Arts
Emily Griffith Opportunity School Denver Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University - Denver Campus Denver Bachelors Baking & Pastry Arts and Food Service Management
Metropolitan State College of Denver Denver Hospitality, Tourism & Events Major
University of Denver Denver Hospitality Services Management
Front Range Community College Fort Collins Advanced Culinary Arts
Colorado State University Ft Collins B.S. Degree in Hospitality Management
Colorado Mountain College Glenwood Springs Culinary Arts
Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction Culinary Arts
Arapahoe Community College Littleton Culinary Arts
Pueblo Community College Pueblo Culinary Arts