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I am a junior in highschool and I want to head off to culinary school after highschool but my parents want me to head off to college. Should I listen to them?
I am just looking for other's opinions
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Dr’s Answer
Hey,
Alright, Felix, let’s dig into this properly, because choosing between college and culinary school is like deciding between a five-course gourmet meal and an all-you-can-eat buffet. 🤪 Well, Both have value, but it depends on what you’re craving in life. 🤔
1. Community College for Culinary Arts + Bachelor’s Degree Later
This is a great compromise. You get trained as a chef while also getting a degree. Many chefs eventually move into restaurant ownership, food business, or hospitality, where business knowledge is invaluable.
Schools like City College of San Francisco, Laney College, and Contra Costa College offer affordable culinary programs, which can be a stepping stone to bigger things.
2. Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and Financial Aid
If cost is the issue, financial aid, scholarships, and grants exist to support aspiring chefs.
The CIA in San Francisco is highly respected, but you don’t have to go straight there if your parents are hesitant. You can always work your way up.
3. Convincing Your Parents with a Long-Term Plan
If their concern is that culinary school won’t give you a "real degree," explain that you can pursue a Bachelor’s after culinary school (or even alongside it, with online courses).
Ask them what their biggest concern is: Stability? Career growth? Cost? Once you understand their fear, you can address it with solutions.
More Advice & Recommendations
1. Do a Side-by-Side Comparison of Career Paths
College (Business, Hospitality, or Culinary Degree)
Pros: Versatile degree, more job security in different industries, higher management positions available.
Cons: More expensive, less hands-on experience in cooking.
Culinary School
Pros: Hands-on experience, industry connections, faster entry into the culinary world.
Cons: Can be expensive, some chefs argue that experience matters more than formal education.
Middle Ground: Community College → Work Experience → Bachelor’s (if needed later).
2. Try an Apprenticeship or Culinary Job First
Before committing, see if you can work in a restaurant kitchen or shadow a chef.
Some culinary programs allow students to work part-time while studying.
3. Online Learning & Certifications
If your parents want you to get a degree, but you want culinary training, consider online culinary courses + a general degree.
Platforms like Rouxbe, Escoffier, or Udemy offer courses that let you get certified while keeping other options open.
4. Alternative College Degrees that Blend Both Worlds
Hospitality & Restaurant Management – If your parents insist on a four-year degree, this is a good compromise.
Business with a Focus on Food Industry – Many successful chefs own restaurants, food trucks, or catering businesses.
At the end of the end, this is your career, but you also don’t want unnecessary conflict with your family. Try compromising with a hybrid path, showing them a detailed plan, and proving that culinary school isn’t a dead end—it’s just a different route to success.
And if they still don’t budge? Well, plenty of top chefs never went to college. They let their skills do the talking. Just make sure you get enough experience to back up your choice.
Good luck, future chef! Hope to see your name on a Michelin-starred restaurant someday.
Alright, Felix, let’s dig into this properly, because choosing between college and culinary school is like deciding between a five-course gourmet meal and an all-you-can-eat buffet. 🤪 Well, Both have value, but it depends on what you’re craving in life. 🤔
1. Community College for Culinary Arts + Bachelor’s Degree Later
This is a great compromise. You get trained as a chef while also getting a degree. Many chefs eventually move into restaurant ownership, food business, or hospitality, where business knowledge is invaluable.
Schools like City College of San Francisco, Laney College, and Contra Costa College offer affordable culinary programs, which can be a stepping stone to bigger things.
2. Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and Financial Aid
If cost is the issue, financial aid, scholarships, and grants exist to support aspiring chefs.
The CIA in San Francisco is highly respected, but you don’t have to go straight there if your parents are hesitant. You can always work your way up.
3. Convincing Your Parents with a Long-Term Plan
If their concern is that culinary school won’t give you a "real degree," explain that you can pursue a Bachelor’s after culinary school (or even alongside it, with online courses).
Ask them what their biggest concern is: Stability? Career growth? Cost? Once you understand their fear, you can address it with solutions.
More Advice & Recommendations
1. Do a Side-by-Side Comparison of Career Paths
College (Business, Hospitality, or Culinary Degree)
Pros: Versatile degree, more job security in different industries, higher management positions available.
Cons: More expensive, less hands-on experience in cooking.
Culinary School
Pros: Hands-on experience, industry connections, faster entry into the culinary world.
Cons: Can be expensive, some chefs argue that experience matters more than formal education.
Middle Ground: Community College → Work Experience → Bachelor’s (if needed later).
2. Try an Apprenticeship or Culinary Job First
Before committing, see if you can work in a restaurant kitchen or shadow a chef.
Some culinary programs allow students to work part-time while studying.
3. Online Learning & Certifications
If your parents want you to get a degree, but you want culinary training, consider online culinary courses + a general degree.
Platforms like Rouxbe, Escoffier, or Udemy offer courses that let you get certified while keeping other options open.
4. Alternative College Degrees that Blend Both Worlds
Hospitality & Restaurant Management – If your parents insist on a four-year degree, this is a good compromise.
Business with a Focus on Food Industry – Many successful chefs own restaurants, food trucks, or catering businesses.
At the end of the end, this is your career, but you also don’t want unnecessary conflict with your family. Try compromising with a hybrid path, showing them a detailed plan, and proving that culinary school isn’t a dead end—it’s just a different route to success.
And if they still don’t budge? Well, plenty of top chefs never went to college. They let their skills do the talking. Just make sure you get enough experience to back up your choice.
Good luck, future chef! Hope to see your name on a Michelin-starred restaurant someday.
Thank you for the advice, Dr.
Chad
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Uti
Thank you for your support and encouragement, Fanna Suzan and Mr. Trish!
Dr H
You are very welcome Chad and Uti, I am truly glad to have been able to help out! Stay blessed guys! 🙌
Dr H
I am grateful to help the student who has asked the question which is FELIX. @Chad, @Uti and @Dr H
PLEASE STOP COMMENTING ON THE ADVICE I PROVIDE FOR A PARTICULAR STUDENT. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
Michelle M.
I completely understand your perspective, Michelle, and I respect your intention to keep the focus on Felix. At the same time, I believe CareerVillage is a space for sharing wisdom and insight that can benefit many students. When others express gratitude for advice that has helped them, it fosters a sense of community and encouragement. Still, I appreciate your viewpoint, and I hope Felix—and all students—continue to find the guidance they need here. Wishing everyone success on their journey!
Dr H
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
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Thomas’s Answer
Speaking from experience, you must do what YOU want to do. Your life is yours to live- it is NOT your parents life. I know they just want what's best for you, like all parents do, but you don't want to live a life of regret thinking about what could have been. I, unfortunately, was basically bullied and pushed into going into college (though I am glad I stuck with it). I was also forced by my parents to double major in a subject that I absolutely hated. Every time grades from those classes would come up, I would be ridiculed and judged by my parents (Specifically my dad) for doing my best in the classes and subjects I hated. It got to the point where my professors in my actual chosen major (music) were more concerned for my well being and mental health than at home. They are the only reason I stuck with it- because I was contemplating dropping out and living on the streets. I was in over my head, I had small enjoyable things to do in my music classes but hours and hours of work for a second degree I didn't even want. I did end up dropping that degree but it was extremely difficult to stand up for myself after basically rolling over like a pet.
All this to say (and with an extreme example, I know) do what YOU want to do or you will be living for other people- not for you and your own experiences. If you want to be a cook- be a cook. There are so many great restaurants in the world, you can open your own, you can experiment and come up with your own ideas and techniques. If you do what you enjoy doing, then working and making a living will be enjoyable- and that's exactly what you should be looking for. Many people "settle" because they can make money to pay for stuff. Sure, that's ok to do but then you're slaving away at a job that isn't giving you fulfillment. Do what you love and the money will follow. Make connections in the cooking/ restaurant industry. As long as you put in the work, your dreams are possible.
All this to say (and with an extreme example, I know) do what YOU want to do or you will be living for other people- not for you and your own experiences. If you want to be a cook- be a cook. There are so many great restaurants in the world, you can open your own, you can experiment and come up with your own ideas and techniques. If you do what you enjoy doing, then working and making a living will be enjoyable- and that's exactly what you should be looking for. Many people "settle" because they can make money to pay for stuff. Sure, that's ok to do but then you're slaving away at a job that isn't giving you fulfillment. Do what you love and the money will follow. Make connections in the cooking/ restaurant industry. As long as you put in the work, your dreams are possible.
Updated
Erica’s Answer
Hello, Felix. It's great to meet you! That's an excellent question. I truly believe you should listen to your parents. It's important to have a conversation with them about the benefits of going to college versus culinary school. Together, you can explore the pros and cons of each option. Your parents want the best for you, and they likely think a four-year college degree could open more doors for you in the future. I'm cheering for you and wish you the best of luck! Thanks, Erica
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Felix !
I think I have a solution or happy medium that both you and your parents can agree on !
You will be happy to know that there are three colleges in the San Francisco area that you can go to for a Degree in Culinary Arts ! City College of San Francisco, Laney College in Oakland (call them about the Associates Degree), Contra Costa College in San Pablo (which offers studying abroad if you wanted and many event opportunities and you would get an Associates Degree in culinary) ). Check out their websites and programs online.
Once you obtain your Associates degree in Culinary Arts, you can enroll at a university for a Bachelors Degree in a subject you'd like. Management or Business may connect well with culinary. This way, you'll be trained as a professional chef as well as obtain a college degree. Sometimes there is a happy medium for situations like this.
Find out why your parents wouldn't want you to go to the Culinary Institute of America in San Francisco. Is it the cost ? If so, there is Federal Student Financial Aid, Scholarships and Grants that you can apply for to attend that well-known school. You would obtain your Associates Degree there and then can enroll to get your Bachelors Degree at a different college. Your parents may need to be informed about this. Nothing can hold you back from getting a Bachelors Degree once you finish culinary school. No matter what option mentioned here that you take it will be a good path. I know that the Culinary Institute is where everyone wants to go, so I understand.
I don't think this situation is settled yet. Have another conversation with your parents and see how they think about you going to community college and then to a university for two more years for your Bachelors Degree. Tell them if you go to culinary school, you can go for a Bachelors Degree afterwards. Going to culinary school doesn't stop people from getting Degrees. Find out if it's the cost or if it's that they think you won't obtain a Degree.
Is it that they intend to pay for your education so they are telling you the only thing they'll pay for ? I think if you reassure them that you'll come out Degreed, they may feel better. Also mention the financial aid, grants and scholarships that can help with the cost.
Hopefully this helps and I wish you all the best !
I think I have a solution or happy medium that both you and your parents can agree on !
You will be happy to know that there are three colleges in the San Francisco area that you can go to for a Degree in Culinary Arts ! City College of San Francisco, Laney College in Oakland (call them about the Associates Degree), Contra Costa College in San Pablo (which offers studying abroad if you wanted and many event opportunities and you would get an Associates Degree in culinary) ). Check out their websites and programs online.
Once you obtain your Associates degree in Culinary Arts, you can enroll at a university for a Bachelors Degree in a subject you'd like. Management or Business may connect well with culinary. This way, you'll be trained as a professional chef as well as obtain a college degree. Sometimes there is a happy medium for situations like this.
Find out why your parents wouldn't want you to go to the Culinary Institute of America in San Francisco. Is it the cost ? If so, there is Federal Student Financial Aid, Scholarships and Grants that you can apply for to attend that well-known school. You would obtain your Associates Degree there and then can enroll to get your Bachelors Degree at a different college. Your parents may need to be informed about this. Nothing can hold you back from getting a Bachelors Degree once you finish culinary school. No matter what option mentioned here that you take it will be a good path. I know that the Culinary Institute is where everyone wants to go, so I understand.
I don't think this situation is settled yet. Have another conversation with your parents and see how they think about you going to community college and then to a university for two more years for your Bachelors Degree. Tell them if you go to culinary school, you can go for a Bachelors Degree afterwards. Going to culinary school doesn't stop people from getting Degrees. Find out if it's the cost or if it's that they think you won't obtain a Degree.
Is it that they intend to pay for your education so they are telling you the only thing they'll pay for ? I think if you reassure them that you'll come out Degreed, they may feel better. Also mention the financial aid, grants and scholarships that can help with the cost.
Hopefully this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thank you so much, Michelle!
Chad
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Uti
@CHAD AND UTI - PLEASE DO NOT COMMENT ON MY ADVICE. I AM HAPPY TO HELP FELIX WHO THE ADVICE WAS MEANT FOR.
Michelle M.