One of the top pastry chef schools for students to consider is the French Culinary Institute. Located in New York City and San Francisco, California, these educational opportunities are placed in highly competitive and high paying areas of this culinary arts niche. But if finances are a concern, paying for classes, supplies, books and tools can be overwhelming. However, you shouldn’t allow this factor to deter you from pursuing your dreams of becoming a pastry chef. There are a number of ways you can make paying for The French Culinary Institute tuition more affordable, if you know the overall cost and various sources of aid.
How Much is The French Culinary Institute Tuition?
Prospective students who plan on attending the available pastry chef courses should consider that they will take 6 to 9 months to complete – which includes 63 hours of classroom theory and 537 hours of hands on training. But the biggest factor that impacts the tuition rate is the schedule selected. Tuition costs (as of 2011) will average:
- Daytime, (Monday through Friday) 5 times a week for 6 months – $45,700
- Evenings, (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays) 3 times a week for 9 months – $31,800
- Evenings, (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays) 3 times a week for 9 months – $38,700
Also the fees included in the overall cost of tuition are:
- Application fee
- Uniform
- Tool kit
- Books
- Supplies
- A daily meal prepared once a week, Monday through Friday
Defraying the Costs
Most prospective students are aware of federal and state aid programs and applications that can help make college costs more affordable. But did you know there are a number of pastry chef scholarships that can make The French Culinary Institute tuition costs more affordable? Some of these aid programs are offered by the college, while others can be obtained from outside sources. Not sure where to start? Then why not check out the following scholarship programs, including:
- Friends of The FCI Winter Award
- International Pastry Student Scholarship
- The James Beard Foundation
- American Culinary Federation
Special Tuition Discounts and Benefits
There are two possible ways students can receive a reduced rate or discount on their tuition – through full payment prior to the semester start or through proof of honorable military discharge.
Accepted students who pay for The French Culinary Institution tuition and fees in full, at least one week prior to the semester start can receive a $500 credit. However, this may be difficult to accomplish, especially for those who are paying the cost out of pocket. Ways to make obtaining this credit easier may include early application for scholarships, grants, federal and state financial aid – and ensuring aid packages reach admissions as soon as possible.
Veteran’s can also receive a 15% tuition reduction if they can provide proof of an honorable military discharge within 24 months time. Also, prospective students who dream of becoming a pastry chef can also inquire at the admissions office for additional discounts for spouses and children of veteran’s.
Before you let the cost of the Classic Pastry Arts diploma stop you from applying to The French Culinary Institute or from attending classes – why not check out the scholarship, discounts and other forms of aid available. Not sure who to contact? Then call the NYC campus at (888) 324-2433 or the California campus at (866)318-2433 for more information.
