Students watch as an ICE chef instructor demonstrates a technique in their culinary arts class

High School Students

You’ve Just Graduated ... Now What?

Everyone knows about your love for the kitchen, the feeling of satisfaction and confidence you get when cooking. Your future seems closer than it did even a month ago and you're eager to turn that passion into a creative career in the culinary arts. But how do you make that a reality?

We know you have questions.

Is it worth the time and expense to go to a "traditional" college vs. culinary school? How will you get a job? Is it necessary to go to school or should you just look for a job in a kitchen? Relax, you've come to the right place. We've answered these questions for tens of thousands of talented, creative students like you.

Explore career opportunities inside and outside the kitchen, where ICE alumni have succeeded.

Why choose ICE?

Culinary school students taste and share the dishes they learned to prepare in class that day at ICE

An Education Tailored to Fit Your Interests.

Our mission is to help you find your culinary voice. In just six to 13 months, you will learn not only the key skills that form the foundation of any good culinary education, but will also tap into your own creativity and passion for food. This process includes an externship at a restaurant or food organization that fits your personal interests and ambitions, followed by job placement assistance from our award-winning career services team, which has an outstanding track record.

An ICE pastry arts student decorates a cake with a brush

No Experience Is Necessary

ICE’s career training programs are hands-on, and a large number of our students have not worked in the industry before. We do not require liberal arts classes (literature, math, psychology, etc.), which means you can finish your diploma and start on the road to a successful career in food faster than at other culinary schools.

A diploma is all you need to apply to the Institute of Culinary Education

A Diploma Is All You Need

You don’t need a two or four-year degree to find success in the culinary and hospitality industries. Leading employers hire our diploma-earning alumni at prominent restaurants, bakeries, bars, publications and hotels around New York City and beyond. For students whose personal goals include a more traditional degree after graduation, your ICE education may be eligible for college transfer credit.

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Award-Winning Education in Just Six to 13 Months

ICE is unique in that we don’t have semesters, application deadlines or a six-month decision process. Our diploma programs have rolling start dates each month of the year, allowing you to get into the classroom — and start your career — faster. You might even be able to start right after graduation.

Tours of ICE are available six days a week, including flexible morning and evening hours. While you're here, you can speak with the Financial Aid office about your options for financing an ICE education. Financial Aid is available to all who qualify at ICE. It's an investment in your future, but you can learn about how to make it easier while you're visiting.

After you graduate high school, the only paperwork you need to apply is a copy of your high school diploma or official transcript. It’s that easy.

A New York City taxi can be seen driving by through a restaurant dining room window

We’re in a New York State of Mind

New York City is the home of our flagship campus and an ideal place to start a culinary, pastry or hospitality career. NYC offers a vibrant cultural experience, an array of international restaurants, gourmet markets, food media companies and culinary resources. 

ICE's Student Housing coordinator can help you find safe, comfortable and convenient housing in some of the city's most exciting communities, without the hassle of negotiating rent or securing a roommate. We connect you with options in a range of budgets from dorms to co-living to apartments, depending on what’s best for you.

ICE students and chefs taste a dish

So What’s Next?

Experiencing the school first-hand is the best way to get to know ICE. Meet with our staff to discuss your career goals, take a tour and speak with our chef-instructors. You can even schedule a time to sit in on an actual class and get a peek at day-to-day life as an ICE student.

Don’t be shy — these experiences are free of charge and designed to help you make an informed decision. Bring along your friends and family. They’ll see why more than 14,000 people like you chose to begin their culinary careers at ICE.

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An ICE culinary Arts student removes souffles from the oven

Start your journey today.

Admissions Office

New York City

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