EDUCATION: Is Culinary School Worth It?

Interest in cooking as a profession has shot through the roof, and culinary schools have seen big surges in enrollment as a result. But in uncertain economic times, and for a field where few go on to earn huge salaries, the $100,000 price tag for tuition is a massive commitment. A culinary degree may seem like a necessity for aspiring cooks, but can you really afford to be saddled with that much debt while slaving your way up the ranks of low-paying restaurant work? Many can’t or won’t take on that burden. But skipping school isn’t a dream-killer. For every famous school-trained chef, there’s a Mario Batali or a Ferran Adria who did just fine without a degree. If you’ve ever considered enrolling in a pricey program, I recommend you first take a look at this report by Atlantic Food Channel writer Paul Wachter.