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Culinary school in San Juan, Puerto Rico

17 culinary programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

7 schools offer these culinary arts programs with classes in the San Juan-Bayamón-Caguas area, and every one is approved for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Chefs and head cooks run the daily food preparation in restaurants and other places that serve food. Most start with a high school diploma and kitchen experience; some go through a culinary program at a community college, technical school or culinary school, and others learn in an apprenticeship.1

In San Juan, 8 of the 17 programs take students without a high school diploma and 9 ask for a diploma or equivalent.

By kind, the 17 programs here are culinary arts certificate or diploma (11 programs), baking and pastry certificate or diploma (5 programs) and culinary arts (associate degree, 1 program).

See the 17 programs

All 32 culinary programs in Puerto Rico, including online programs

How much does culinary school cost in San Juan?

$7,961 to $13,407 is what most culinary programs in San Juan cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 14 programs with a price. All of them: $3,845 to $13,960

In the typical program

Finished the program
Left out
Half of Puerto Rico's programs report exactly 100%, far more than in other states
Working 6 months later
Left out
Every program that reports it reports exactly 100%
Earned a year, estimated
about $14,800
Length
45 to 56 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in San Juan may also offer culinary school. How these figures are made

Is there free culinary school in San Juan?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 17 culinary programs in San Juan approved for WIOA funding

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17 programs

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Especialista en Artes Culinarias

    Escuela Hotelera De San Juan

    Hato Rey

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Escuela Hotelera De San Juan, Hato ReyCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$18,200
    Price if you pay yourself$13,765
    Program website, Especialista en Artes Culinarias at Escuela Hotelera De San Juan
    More details about Especialista en Artes Culinarias at Escuela Hotelera De San Juan
    Finished
    Left out
    Working at 6 months
    Left out
    Earned in a quarter
    $4,560
    Length
    60 weeks, 27 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,846
    Students counted
    591
    Earned a year, estimated
    $18,200
    Price if you pay yourself
    $13,765
    Program website, Especialista en Artes Culinarias at Escuela Hotelera De San Juan

  • Baking and pastry certificate or diplomaHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Panader'a y Reposter'a Internacional

    Escuela Hotelera De San Juan

    Hato Rey

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Escuela Hotelera De San Juan, Hato ReyBaking and pastry certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$17,300
    Price if you pay yourself$13,960

    3 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Panader'a y Reposter'a Internacional at Escuela Hotelera De San Juan
    More details about Panader'a y Reposter'a Internacional at Escuela Hotelera De San Juan
    Finished
    Left out
    Working at 6 months
    Left out
    Earned in a quarter
    $4,320
    Length
    58 weeks, 29 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,187
    Students counted
    243
    Earned a year, estimated
    $17,300
    Price if you pay yourself
    $13,960
    students trained with WIOA funding
    3
    Program website, Panader'a y Reposter'a Internacional at Escuela Hotelera De San Juan

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Artes Culinarias

    NUC University

    Carolina

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    NUC University, CarolinaCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$14,000
    Price if you pay yourself$10,798
    Program website, Artes Culinarias at NUC University
    More details about Artes Culinarias at NUC University
    Finished
    Left out
    Working at 6 months
    Left out
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,500
    Length
    48 weeks, 23 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $80
    Students counted
    20
    Earned a year, estimated
    $14,000
    Price if you pay yourself
    $10,798
    Program website, Artes Culinarias at NUC University

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Escuela de Chef: Artes Culinarias

    Job Connection Center, Inc.

    Humacao

    No diploma needed

    Job Connection Center, Inc., HumacaoCulinary arts certificate or diplomaIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$14,800
    Price if you pay yourself$7,015
    More details about Escuela de Chef: Artes Culinarias at Job Connection Center, Inc.
    Finished
    Left out
    Working at 6 months
    Left out
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,692
    Length
    28 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $550
    Students counted
    17
    Earned a year, estimated
    $14,800
    Price if you pay yourself
    $7,015

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Artes Culinarias

    NUC University

    Fajardo

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    NUC University, FajardoCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$14,000
    Price if you pay yourself$10,798
    Program website, Artes Culinarias at NUC University
    More details about Artes Culinarias at NUC University
    Finished
    Left out
    Working at 6 months
    Left out
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,500
    Length
    48 weeks, 23 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $80
    Students counted
    10
    Earned a year, estimated
    $14,000
    Price if you pay yourself
    $10,798
    Program website, Artes Culinarias at NUC University

  • Baking and pastry certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Reposter'a y Panader'a Comercial

    ICPR Junior College

    Hato Rey

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    ICPR Junior College, Hato ReyBaking and pastry certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$12,090

    7 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Reposter'a y Panader'a Comercial at ICPR Junior College
    More details about Reposter'a y Panader'a Comercial at ICPR Junior College
    Finished
    Left out
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    45 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $474
    Students counted
    147
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $12,090
    students trained with WIOA funding
    7
    Program website, Reposter'a y Panader'a Comercial at ICPR Junior College

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Artes Culinarias

    Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia

    Hato Rey

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia, Hato ReyCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$13,493
    Program website, Artes Culinarias at Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia
    More details about Artes Culinarias at Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia
    Finished
    Left out
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    60 weeks, 27 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $833
    Students counted
    73
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $13,493
    Program website, Artes Culinarias at Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Artes Culinarias

    Job Connection Center, Inc.

    Humacao

    No diploma needed

    Job Connection Center, Inc., HumacaoCulinary arts certificate or diplomaIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$4,250

    17 students trained with WIOA funding

    More details about Artes Culinarias at Job Connection Center, Inc.
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    18 weeks, 25 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $530
    Students counted
    17
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $4,250
    students trained with WIOA funding
    17

  • Baking and pastry certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Reposter'a y Panader'a Internacional

    Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia

    Hato Rey

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia, Hato ReyBaking and pastry certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$13,493
    Program website, Reposter'a y Panader'a Internacional at Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia
    More details about Reposter'a y Panader'a Internacional at Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia
    Finished
    Left out
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    60 weeks, 22 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $913
    Students counted
    11
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $13,493
    Program website, Reposter'a y Panader'a Internacional at Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Servicios de Alimentos Básicos Catering

    Job Connection Center, Inc.

    Humacao

    No diploma needed

    Job Connection Center, Inc., HumacaoCulinary arts certificate or diplomaIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,845
    More details about Servicios de Alimentos Básicos Catering at Job Connection Center, Inc.
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    10 weeks, 26 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $375
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,845

  • Baking and pastry certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed

    Servicios de Alimentos Básicos Deli Bakery

    Job Connection Center, Inc.

    Humacao

    No diploma needed

    Job Connection Center, Inc., HumacaoBaking and pastry certificate or diplomaIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,845
    More details about Servicios de Alimentos Básicos Deli Bakery at Job Connection Center, Inc.
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    10 weeks, 26 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $375
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,845

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaSeveral formatsHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Artes Culinarias

    NUC University

    Carolina

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    NUC University, CarolinaCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolSeveral formats · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$12,327
    Program website, Artes Culinarias at NUC University
    More details about Artes Culinarias at NUC University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 23 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,049
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $12,327
    Program website, Artes Culinarias at NUC University

  • Baking and pastry certificate or diplomaSeveral formatsHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Reposter'a

    Ivaem College

    Caguas

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Ivaem College, CaguasBaking and pastry certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolSeveral formats · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$12,971
    More details about Reposter'a at Ivaem College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 29 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,219
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $12,971

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaSeveral formatsHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Cocina Comercial e Internacional

    Ivaem College

    Caguas

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Ivaem College, CaguasCulinary arts certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolSeveral formats · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$13,149
    More details about Cocina Comercial e Internacional at Ivaem College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 29 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $13,149

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Chef Internacional

    Christian Military Academy

    Vega Baja

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Christian Military Academy, Vega BajaCulinary arts certificate or diplomaIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    More details about Chef Internacional at Christian Military Academy
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    56 weeks, 27 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Not reported

  • Culinary arts (associate degree)In personNo diploma needed

    Grado Tecnico Chef Internacional

    Christian Military Academy

    Vega Baja

    No diploma needed

    Christian Military Academy, Vega BajaCulinary arts (associate degree)In person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    More details about Grado Tecnico Chef Internacional at Christian Military Academy
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    50 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Not reported

  • Culinary arts certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Programa Chef Internacional

    Christian Military Academy

    Vega Baja

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Christian Military Academy, Vega BajaCulinary arts certificate or diplomaIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    More details about Programa Chef Internacional at Christian Military Academy
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    56 weeks, 27 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Not reported

How to pay for culinary school in San Juan

WIOA funding can pay for culinary school in San Juan

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for culinary school

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.67

GI Bill for culinary school

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.8

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Other training in San Juan

How culinary school compares with the rest of food and hospitality across Puerto Rico: Culinary and hospitality programs in Puerto Rico

Where the San Juan culinary arts program numbers come from

Which San Juan culinary arts programs are on this list?

These are the culinary arts programs with classes in the San Juan-Bayamón-Caguas area that are approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).9 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Online programs are left out here; they are on the Puerto Rico page. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what the area offers.

How the prices and results of San Juan culinary arts programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

How reliable are the Puerto Rico figures?

The US Department of Labor's own results site lists Puerto Rico among the states with "known data quality concerns".10 We leave out the share who finished for Puerto Rico: half of its programs report exactly 100%, far more than in other states. We leave out the share working 6 months later for Puerto Rico: every program that reports it reports exactly 100%.

Sources for the facts about culinary school in San Juan

Show the 10 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Chefs and Head Cooks
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  5. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  8. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  9. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List
  10. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: search page, note on states with known data quality concerns