There are many factors to consider when choosing which school to go to when it’s time to further your education and get your degree in culinary arts. Location; how far would you have to travel? Is there reasonable housing close to campus? Finances; is financial aid an option? The school itself; is it the best of the best? What kind of reputation does it have? What are the Harvard’s and Oxfords of culinary arts schools?

The Culinary Institute of America is reported to be right at the top of the list of great culinary arts schools. It offers campuses in three locations; their main campus finds its home in Hyde Park, NY. They have a west coast campus in St. Helena, CA, which offers many food and wine related programs. Last but not least is their San Antonio, TX campus which hosts Latin American cuisine course. The Culinary Institute of America prides itself on its reputation as the world’s premier culinary college and offering the best opportunity to career success. Their alumni alone should be enough to impress anyone trying to choose a school. There is Christopher Martone, executive chef of Subway restaurants; Steve Ells, founder of Chipotle Grill, and Dan Coudreaut, director of culinary innovation for McDonald’s amongst many others.

» Read more: Top Culinary Arts Schools – Pick the Right One For You