Culinary Arts Schools in Iowa
Even opinionated globetrotters can agree that the American Heartland is one of the friendliest regions on the planet, and its food reflects it. Graduates of culinary schools in Iowa and nearby can find that the cuisine made here is hearty, delicious and, although unpretentious, also includes the upscale. In general, the state's deep immigrant roots and long history of agriculture have left a mark on the cuisine, witnessed in meat-based European fare and farm-fresh produce present on menus. Iowa is a leading producer of corn, soybeans, cheese and red meat, and the state's more than 11,000 different kinds of fertile soils ensure a steady supply of top-notch produce for Iowan chefs. Those who doubt Iowa’s ability to produce ethnic cuisine can look to Des Moines, the state's epicenter of innovative cooking and ethnic restaurants, where everything from Afghan to Laotian dishes can be found at the city's bustling Downtown Farmers Market. Festivals found in this state include the eclectic World Food Festival in Des Moines in September and the Sauerkraut Days, which are held in Lisbon in August.
Planning your Iowa Culinary Career
Restaurants are big business in Iowa, as 10 percent of the state's workforce earns a living in the food and beverage sector, according to data from the National Restaurant Association. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the 2011 mean annual wages for head cooks and chefs working in Iowa at $36,350. Chefs are made, not born, and an important part of any chef's success can depend on hard work and dedication to his or her craft. While a culinary degree is not always essential, having a formal degree from an Iowa culinary school could be a plus. The list of Iowa culinary schools below can lead you to learn how to cook with fresh corn, grass-fed beef and other ingredients important in the American Heartland.
Additional Resources for Students at Iowa Culinary Schools
National Restaurant Association: Iowa's Restaurant Industry at a Glance
The New York Times: 36 hours in Des Moines
Bureau of Labor Statistics career information for chefs and head cooks
Browse Iowa Cooking Schools Today!
This list also contains online schools that accept students from Iowa.
Set your career in motion at Virginia College Online.
- Online
- AAS - Culinary and Pastry Arts
Advance your career with our affordable, self-paced, career-focused distance education programs.
- Online
- Hotel/Restaurant Management
- Caterer
Kaplan University is focused on recognizing the achievements of military and veteran students and offers the flexibility of an online education.
- Online
- AAS in Business Administration - Hospitality Management
Your creativity is a big part of who you are and where you’re going. To take it, and your future, as far as you want, you need an education that’s focused on developing your talents and putting you on the path toward the creative career that stirs your imagination. A collaborative education at The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, is all about the work, the students who create it, and the instructors who guide them.
The first step is to explore these areas of study, and think about where you fit in an industry that runs on ideas.
- Online
- Hotel & Restaurant Management (BS)
- Culinary Management (BS)
Earn your degree or diploma on your schedule and succeed at Ashworth College.
- Online
- Hotel/Restaurant Management
Find Culinary Schools in Iowa by City
Other Iowa Culinary Schools
| School Name | City or Town | Programs Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University | Ames | Culinary Science (AGLS) |
| Iowa Culinary Institute | Ankeny | Culinary Arts |
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids | Bakery |
| Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluff | Culinary Arts |
| Eastern Iowa Community College District | Davenport | Culinary Arts |
| Iowa Lakes Community College | Estherville | Hospitality Culinary & Management |
| North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City | Hospitality/Foodservice Management |
| Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa | Culinary Arts (AAS) |
| Hawkeye Community College | Waterloo | Culinary Arts |
