What Is It Known For?
The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts has an interesting history. It began as the Culinary Academy of Austin back in 1997. Over time, it changed its name and grew into a respected private cooking school. Unlike many other schools, it’s not part of a larger network of state community colleges. Instead, it stands on its own as a for-profit institution focused on culinary education.
Escoffier now has two main campuses. The Texas campus in Austin is smaller, with about 610 students. The Boulder, Colorado campus is much larger, serving around 7,600 students. This growth has helped Escoffier become the top-ranked culinary school in the USA. While it may not be as big as some state schools, its focused approach to teaching cooking skills has made it a popular choice for aspiring chefs.
Degrees & Certifications
The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts provides a variety of programs to help students achieve their goals in the culinary and hospitality industries. These include:
- Culinary arts
- Baking & pastry arts
- Holistic nutrition & plant-based programs
- Business-focused programs
- Food Entrepreneurship
- Hospitality & Restaurant Operations Management
Class Schedules
Escoffier offers online classes, giving students flexibility in their learning. The school focuses on hands-on, technique-based training to build practical skills. While specific class times aren’t publicly listed, many programs include a six-week externship for real-world experience.
This blend of online learning and practical training helps students prepare for culinary careers. For details about class schedules or specific course offerings, it’s best to contact the school directly.
Is It Legit?
The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Austin, Texas is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). It is approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission-Career Schools and Colleges, and is authorized as an Associate of Applied Science degree–granting institution through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Its programs are also accredited by the American Culinary Federation Educational Foundation Accrediting Commission.
Acceptance Rate
Escoffier uses an open admission policy. This means the school has a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
For the largest program in the 2022-23 academic year, the average net price at Escoffier School of Culinary Arts was $11,554 after factoring in grants and scholarships. However, this amount can fluctuate based on various factors like the specific school campus attended.
For more accurate estimates, use the school’s net price calculator or contact them directly.
Programs & Courses
Culinary
- Baking
- Culinary Arts
- Entrepreneurship
- Restaurant Management
- Wellness
Campus Locations
Austin 6020-B Dillard Circle Austin, TX 78752
Boulder 637 South Broadway, Suite H Boulder, CO 80305
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Austin has a polarized reputation. While some students are very satisfied with the quality of instruction and the hands-on education, a significant number of reviews express serious concerns about the school’s administrative practices, financial costs, and aggressive marketing.
Overall Score: 3.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Knowledgeable and Supportive Instructors: Several reviews highlight the quality of the chef instructors, describing them as “helpful and caring,” “professional,” and “knowledgeable.” Some students mention that the chefs are a key reason for their positive experience and that they still feel they can reach out to them after graduating.
Effective Hands-on Learning: Reviews praise the “hands-on projects” and “real-world experience.” For some, the program has been a “rewarding” and “amazing journey” that provides a strong foundation for a culinary career.
Flexible Learning Options: A few reviewers appreciate the school’s online program, particularly the ability to set their own schedule to fit their needs.
High Job Placement Rate: The school reports high job placement rates, with 91% for its Culinary Arts AAS degree and 100% for its Culinary Arts Diploma program in the 2018/2019 reporting period, according to a TWC summary.
Common Criticisms
Aggressive and Unsolicited Marketing: This is a major and recurring complaint. Many reviewers state that after simply requesting information, they were “bombarded” with unwanted and “harassing” phone calls and emails.
Perceived as a “Scam” or “Money Scheme”: Several reviews use strong terms like “scam,” “joke,” and “money scheme.” Students feel the cost of tuition is not worth the value of the education they received, with one recent reviewer stating their degree is a “$20k piece of paper.”
Poor Administrative and Financial Support: Students, especially those in the online program, complain about a lack of communication and support from the administration after enrollment. Specific complaints include ignored calls, delayed financial aid, and a confusing refund process.
Questionable Accreditation and Transferability: A recent review claims that the school’s credits are not accredited. While the school’s website states it is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), this type of accreditation is typically for vocational programs and may not be recognized by traditional colleges.
Momentum
The reviews for Auguste Escoffier are consistently mixed over time. The most serious criticisms—about aggressive marketing and the perception of the school as a scam—are a recurring theme across reviews from the last several years. While the school’s owner actively responds to complaints, the issues appear to be systemic and long-standing, creating a stark contrast with the positive experiences reported by some students.