Compared to other states, very few students pursue a career as a pastry chef in Indiana. This can make attending one of these colleges appealing because of the lower competition, if you are willing to put in the time and dedication. Creating these delectable delights requires more than a culinary flair – it requires attention to detail, focused skills and extreme creativity. And both colleges located in Indianapolis can offer the coursework and training required to excel in this career path.
The most popular choice for prospective students in Harrison College, but more specifically their culinary campus called The Chef’s Academy. But before you enroll, you may be curious about the campuses credentials. The entire Harrison College campus is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). However, The Chef’s Academy has received an additional set of credentials from the American Culinary Federation (ACF), making this institution extremely reputable in the eyes of the culinary industry.
Compared to other pastry chef schools, the cost of attending Harrison College’s program is $300 per credit hour (in 2011). This does not include other essentials such as uniforms and textbooks, but this expense can be made more affordable by obtaining federal and state aid, grants, general and college specific scholarships.
If you prefer to attend a college with nationwide recognition, you should consider The Art Institute of Indianapolis. While the cost of tuition averages around $27,000 to $31,000 at this school (cost dependant on location of residence and general living expenses), a more detailed estimate can be obtained by contacting a representative via phone or website. Also, they are recognized by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) as a qualified learning institution.
But you may wonder what opportunities await after graduation. Some of the most lucrative pastry chef careers can be found in these areas – which are in casinos and high-end restaurants. Individuals can expect to earn an average wage of up to $30,000 a year, which is not as profitable as cities such as New York, Orlando or San Francisco, but the competition is lighter and the area has a comparatively lower cost of living.
Indiana Pastry Chef Schools
Indianapolis
School Name: The Chef’s Academy (Harrison College)
Address: 644 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46201
Contact: 800-919-2500
Website: http://www.thechefsacademy.com/
Associate of Applied Science in Pastry Arts
School Name: The Art Institiute of Indianapolis
Address: 3500 Depauw Blvd., Suite 1010, Indianapolis, IN 46268-6124
Contact: 1.866.441.9031
Website: http://www.artinstitutes.edu/indianapolis/
Certificate in Baking & Pastry
Associate of Science in Baking & Pastry
