Culinary Arts is an Associate Degree program offered by Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, WI. Tuition is $12,300 total.
Program Overview
If you want to take your love of cooking to the next level, a career in culinary arts might be right for you. You’ll learn how to prepare soups, meats, vegetables and desserts as well as sauces, side dishes and salads. You’ll learn what it takes to coordinate and direct the work of kitchen staff – everything from menu planning and buying supplies to final presentation. In addition, you may manage budgets and coordinate food preparation with service. Whether you want to work at a local café or own your own fine dining establishment, this program (offered in a standard or accelerated format) will give you the foundation you need.
Career Opportunities
- Baker
- Banquet Chef
- Catering Manager
- Executive Chef
- Head Cook
- Pastry Chef
- Restaurant/Food Service Manager
- Sous Chef
School Information
Campus
Admissions Requirements
An academic skills assessment is required for admission into this program or the following: High School GPA of 2.75 or higher OR provide completion of associate’s or higher degree OR; 165 or higher on your 2014 series GED tests OR; ACT OR Accuplacer to waive to the general education level; The cost of the Accuplacer assessment is $15; Catalog #: 94100100; Learn more at
www.fvtc.edu/Assessment
.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Curriculum
| Component | Credits |
|---|---|
| Technical Studies | 42 |
| General Studies | 15 |
| Electives | 3 |
Program total: 60 credits.
Estimated Cost
Fox Valley Technical College publishes an estimated cost for this program: $12,300 based on current tuition and fees, plus $430 additional materials and supplies and $1,740 textbooks.
The college's 2026-2027 rate for Wisconsin residents is $157.45 per credit for both Associate Degree and Technical Diploma programs, with a $14.20 per credit student activity fee, a $6.00 standard material fee per lecture course, and $4.50 per semester for student accident insurance. Out-of-state tuition is $236.18 per credit and does not apply to online classes. The application fee is $30.00, non-refundable.
Accreditation
Fox Valley Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System.
This program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). In this program, you will obtain National Restaurant Association SERVSAFE sanitation certification, Responsible Beverage Certification, American Heart Association First Aid, CPR & AED certification, and will be eligible to obtain the rank of Certified Culinarian from the American Culinary Federation.
2025 Program Outcomes
- Graduation rate: 9.8% of students starting in 2022-23 graduated by 2024-25
- Job placement rate: 100% of responding graduates were employed in their field of study
- ACF Certification rate: 0% of responding graduates received ACF Certification within 1 year of program completion
2024 Program Outcomes
- Graduation rate: 10% of students starting in 2021-22 graduated by 2023-24
- Job placement rate: 80% of responding graduates were employed in their field of study
- ACF Certification rate: 60% of responding graduates received ACF Certification within 1 year of program completion
2023 Program Outcomes
- Graduation rate: 5.8% of students starting in 2020-21 graduated by 2022-23
- Job placement rate: 80% of responding graduates were employed in their field of study
- ACF Certification rate: 25% of responding graduates received ACF Certification within 1 year of program completion
2022 Program Outcomes
- Graduation rate: 20.0% of students starting in 2019-20 graduated by 2021-22
- Job placement rate: 100% of graduates were employed in their field of study
- ACF Certification rate: 0% of graduates received ACF Certification within 1 year of program completion
2021 Program Outcomes
- Graduation rate: 17.5% of students starting in 2018-19 graduated by 2020-21
- Job placement rate: 80% of graduates were employed in their field of study
- ACF Certification rate: 33% of graduates received ACF Certification within 1 year of program completion
2020 Program Outcomes
- Graduation rate: 21% of students starting in 2017-18 graduated by 2019-20
- Job placement rate: 86% of graduates were employed in their field of study
- ACF Certification rate: 57% of graduates received ACF Certification within 1 year of program completion