Chicago’s #1 place to prepare for a career in hospitality and culinary arts?
Yes, chef.
Kendall College's culinary program has earned the highest level of recognition from the American Culinary Federation.
When it comes to studying hospitality, gaining practical, hands-on experience is everything. Whether your goal is to become a chef, a baker, a hotel manager or a tourism professional, you’ll leave Kendall College with real-world experience and professional connections in your field.
As a global hub of hospitality, Chicago is an ideal place to hone your craft. Kendall College, located in the Loop and just moments from all the city has to offer, has been named Chicago’s #1 school for preparing students for careers in culinary arts and hospitality management.
Investing in one of Kendall’s renowned, career-driven programs could transform your life. We’re committed to helping every student get the financial aid they require, and now that Kendall is affiliated with NLU, a world-class education in hospitality has never been more attainable.
for preparing students for careers in culinary arts & hospitality management
on CEOWORLD’s Top 50 Hospitality & Hotel Management Schools in the World 2020
report employment of their field of study within six months
See what’s cooking at Kendall.
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Program highlights
Culinary Arts
Practice your culinary craft in a real-world setting while earning a two-year associate degree. Get valuable, hands-on internship experience in a program built around your busy schedule.
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Baking and Pastry
Turn your passion for baking into a creative career under the mentorship of our expert faculty. Get hands-on experience with industrial-grade equipment and state-of-the art kitchens in under two years.
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Culinary Arts
Kendall College’s Certificate in Culinary Arts program will equip you with foundational cooking techniques you can apply to the professional kitchen.
Baking and Pastry
Through the Certificate in Baking and Pastry program at Kendall College, you'll learn how to create professional-quality cakes under the mentorship of experienced faculty.
Hospitality Management
Study the art of managing restaurants, hotels, resorts and events under the guidance of expert faculty and industry mentors. The ideal springboard for a career in hospitality.
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Culinary Management
Gain experience working in a fast-paced environment while honing your skills in our state-of-the-art kitchen classrooms, our fine dining campus restaurant and an internship at a restaurant.
Let’s dig into Kendall College.
90+ years of academic seasoning
The Evanston Collegiate Institute, known for a distinctive work-study program, is founded.
The school is renamed Kendall College.
Kendall College adds fully accredited four-year degree programs.
Kendall College launches the now-renowned School of Culinary Arts.
Kendall College becomes a part of National Louis University.
Accessible, affordable programs for every flavor of career
National Louis University offers more than 70 career-focused undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, certificate and endorsement programs in Illinois, Florida and Online in fields like education, business, psychology, and nursing.
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Ensuring excellence in education
The culinary arts and baking and pastry associate programs are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation accreditation commission.
Imagine your future career in hospitality
Here are a few questions to consider as you plan your next step.
World-class culinary arts and hospitality management programs in a world-class hospitality city
With an ideal location in a hospitality capital of the world, a strong emphasis on real-world experience and state-of-the-art facilities such as commercial-grade kitchens, Kendall College is Chicago’s premier destination for aspiring chefs, bakers, hotel managers and tourism professionals who want to hone their craft in a demanding, rewarding setting.
Get to know a few house specialties
Culinary Art School
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Culinary Arts
Practice your culinary craft in a real-world setting while earning a two-year associate degree. Get valuable, hands-on internship experience in a program built around your busy schedule.
Program Requirements and Curriculum
Career Outlook
A degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College will give you a distinct competitive edge in the workplace when you start seeking career opportunities. 92 percent of Culinary Arts School graduates who sought employment within their fields of study reported employment within 6 months of graduation.
The foodservice industry continues to grow nationwide. Job opportunities for head chefs and cooks are expected to grow 6 percent from 2019-2029,* faster than the average growth for all other occupations. And with over 5,195 restaurants within the city, Chicago is the perfect place to launch your culinary career.
The following are some notable career paths you can pursue with a Culinary Arts degree from Kendall College:
*https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/chefs-and-head-cooks.htm
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Culinary Management
Hone your craft with a combination of rigorous culinary training and business skills. This is the #1 culinary program in Chicago, one of the world's best restaurant cities.
Program Requirements and Curriculum
Career Outlook
An education from Kendall College at National Louis University helps you become a competitive candidate for a culinary job in the real world. Our alumni have gone on to succeed in a variety of fields armed with real-world culinary training and business skills.
Job opportunities for chefs and head cooks are expected to increase 6 percent from 2019-2029, faster than the average for all other occupations.* And with over 5,195 restaurants and the 4th highest employment rate of chefs in the country, Chicago is the ideal place to launch your culinary career.
The following are some notable career paths you can pursue with a Culinary Arts degree from Kendall College:
*https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/chefs-and-head-cooks.htm
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Culinary Arts Certificate
Learn foundational cooking techniques you can apply to the professional kitchen from day one.
Program Requirements and Curriculum
Career Outlook
Your Culinary Arts certificate from Kendall College will help give you a distinct competitive edge in the workplace when you are looking to expand your career: 92% of Culinary Arts School graduates who sought employment within their fields of study reported employment within 6 months of graduation.
If you choose to enter the workforce after obtaining your certificate, you’ll be joining a fast-growing field. Jobs for Head Chefs and Cooks are projected to increase 6 percent from 2019-2029, faster than the average for all occupations.* Moreover, the Chicago metro area has the fourth highest employment level of cooks and chefs in the country. There’s no better place to launch your career in food!
The following are some notable career paths you can pursue with a Culinary Arts Certificate from Kendall College:
*https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/chefs-and-head-cooks.htm
Hospitality Management
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Hospitality Management
Study the art of managing restaurants, hotels, resorts and events under the guidance of expert faculty and industry mentors. The ideal springboard for a career in hospitality.
About the Program
Ranked in the top 25 in the world by CEOWORLD, Kendall College’s Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management prepares you to excel in the business and craft of managing restaurants, resorts, hotels and events. Your training will cover all aspects of culinary and hospitality management and prepare you to lead in this fast-paced industry. Located in Chicago, a world-class culinary and tourist destination, you’ll enjoy hands-on learning experiences, the guidance of industry experts and premier work opportunities.
After completing core coursework in hospitality, you’ll specialize in one of the following concentrations:
Like the industry itself, Kendall boasts a diverse international population. About 35% of this program’s students are international. And you have the opportunity to study abroad at a variety of resorts and restaurants here and across the globe.
Program Requirements and Curriculum
Career Outlook
An education from Kendall College at National Louis University prepares you for a hospitality management career that is fast-paced and relentless. Armed with the real-world training and experience you’ll cultivate at Kendall College at NLU, you will be equipped to make a mark for yourself in whatever career path you choose. Our alumni have gone on to succeed in a variety of fields armed with a unique combination of business training and specialized advanced classwork.
With over 5,195 restaurants, 119 hotels and the largest convention center in North America, Chicago is the perfect place to launch your career in hospitality management.
The following are some notable career paths you can pursue with a B.A. in Hospitality Management from Kendall College:
Baking and Pastry
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Baking and Pastry
Turn your passion for baking into a creative career under the mentorship of our expert faculty. Get hands-on experience with industrial-grade equipment and state-of-the art kitchens in under two years.
About the Program
Turn your passion for baking into a creative, fulfilling career at the No. 1 culinary school in Chicago. At Kendall College, you'll learn how to create amazing delicacies under the mentorship of experienced faculty. You'll get hands-on experience working with industrial-grade equipment in state-of-the art kitchens and learn business and foodservice principles that you'll use throughout your career. The A.A.S. can be completed in less than two years* and will prepare you for roles in a professional kitchen or bakery.
Program Requirements and Curriculum
Career Outlook
A Baking and Pastry degree from Kendall College will make you a competitive candidate for the most sought-after positions in restaurants and bakeries. The business and management skills you’ll learn will also set you up for success if, like many of our graduates, you decide to open your own business.
Nationwide, positions for bakers are projected to increase 5 percent from 2022-2023, which is faster than the average for all occupations.* Moreover, the Chicago metro area has the second highest employment rate for bakers in the country. With over 5,195 restaurants in the city, Chicago is the ideal place to launch your career.
Some of the career opportunities an A.A.S. in Baking and Pastry will prepare you for are:
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Certificate in Baking and Pastry
Jump-start your cake making career with this program that can be completed in just three consecutive quarters.
Program Requirements and Curriculum
Career Outlook
Many of our students dream of owning their own bakery, café or chocolate shop. If you’re like them, you’ll appreciate our classes covering marketing and small business entrepreneurship. The job prospects for professional bakers are strong, as opportunities are expected to increase 5 percent from 2019-2029, faster than the average for all occupations.* Moreover, the Chicago metro area has the second highest employment level for professional bakers in the country.
The baking and pastry certificate program at Kendall College immerses its students in the demanding realities of pursuing a career in the baking industry. The delicate balance of craft and business necessary for success in your baking career is developed through rigorous coursework and hands-on practice in our topnotch baking facilities.
Some of the career opportunities for those with a certificate in Baking and Pastry include:
Kendall Pro Courses
Hospitality PRO
Hospitality Professional courses help individuals develop the capabilities in demand in hotels, restaurants, tourism businesses and the events industry.
Wine PRO
The Wine Professional program delivers advanced knowledge and skills in wine and beverages, offering a pathway to sommelier certification.
Culinary PRO
Culinary Professional courses address cutting edge topics to help Chefs and owners keep pace with the rapidly evolving food service environment.
Check out our sample course schedules
Experience the convenience of flexible class schedules as you embark on your educational adventure at Kendall College. Whether you’re honing your culinary skills in our state-of-the-art kitchen labs, mastering the art of hospitality management, or delving into essential general education courses, our schedule ensures that you have the freedom to pursue your passions without compromising on your other commitments.
Culinary or Baking Full-Time Student Example Schedule
*Kitchen Lab Course times can vary throughout the program
Culinary or Baking Certificate Student Example Schedule
*Kitchen Lab Course days may vary throughout the program
Hospitality Student Example Schedule
*Course loads vary based on full/part-time. Online classes are also available.
Real careers of Kendall alumni
At Kendall College, we're not just shaping chefs and hospitality professionals; we're nurturing culinary and hospitality stars who go on to shine in the real world. Explore the inspiring journeys of our alumni who have turned their Kendall education into successful, fulfilling careers.
A foot in the door today, a soaring career tomorrow
Many Kendall programs include internships that equip students with hands-on, real-world experience in their chosen fields. Check out some of the industry-leading Chicago hospitality businesses that we're proud to call partners.
Culinary
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Hospitality
Baking & Pastry
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Faces of Kendall College
Maher Alnammary
Maher Alnammary has always had a love of food and cooking, but the culinary arts weren’t his first choice of career. Growing up in Saudi Arabia, Maher worked in the medical field for a number of years, as it was uncommon for people he knew to go into the culinary arts. Maher admits, “We do not have an established culinary scene and environment in Saudi Arabia yet.”
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Rebeca Narro Perez
One of the things we prize most at National Louis University (NLU) is the diversity of our student body. That not only includes students from different racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, but also international students who choose to attend NLU. Rebeca Narro Perez is one student who took advantage of NLU’s partnership with Universidad del Valle de México to attend Kendall College at NLU to earn her B.A. in Culinary Arts.
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Arjun Singh
“I chose Kendall College at NLU because of its curriculum and practical classes. Also, the University has a recognizable brand name, which will help me in my future career [...] I especially wanted to learn in Chicago because of its food culture. People here are always trying new cuisines, which can give me great exposure during my studies.”
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Asael Villa
For first-generation college students, the process of applying to and attending college can be difficult to navigate without a traditional support system. For Asael Villa, a first-generation student from the Chicagoland area, learning to ask for help has made all the difference.
NLU’s Enrollment Specialists, he says, made the process of applying accessible and clear every step of the way. Asael hopes to one day work in the hospitality industry, and he feels as though he’s on the right path thanks in part to the myriad resources and support he’s received at NLU, from internships and tutoring services to social activities and volunteer opportunities.
Student testimonial videos
Baking and Pastry Faculty
Marianne Albovias
Chef Marianne Albovias is a full-time baking and pastry instructor at Kendall College who teaches specialized courses within the associate applied science degree in baking and pastry arts.
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Heidi Hedeker
Students who dream of operating their own bakeries will certainly find Heidi Hedeker an invaluable resource.
Culinary Faculty
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Wook Kang
Born in South Korea and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Chef Wook Kang had an interest in food at an early age. Having been influenced by his Korean heritage and the melting pot of cuisines in Chicago, his love of cuisine led to a career in food.
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Jack Campbell
Chef Jack Campbell is a full-time culinary arts instructor at Kendall College who has been teaching since 2011, and has over 35 years of experience in the culinary industry.
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Pierre Checchi
Chef Pierre Checchi has been in the culinary field for over 29 years. Born and raised in France, he has studied and trained under the rigorous and classic French tradition of apprenticeship.
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Colleen Karsted
Chef Colleen Karsted holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College as well as a Master’s Degree in Adult Education and Leadership from National Louis University.
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Michael Salzinski
Chef Salzinski possesses a wide variety of transferable skills gained during his 20+ years in the hospitality industry.
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Thomas Meyer
Chef Thomas Meyer’s twenty plus years of foodservice experience includes executive and leadership positions at Omni Orrington Hotel, Evanston; Royal Melbourne Hotel, Australia; Food consultant for The American Club, Kohler, Wisconsin; as well as for Crate and Barrel Company, Northbrook, Illinois.
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Christopher Quirk
During his career, Christopher Quirk has been an elite chef, an entrepreneur and a culinary instructor. Besides holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Quirk also received an AOS degree from the New England Culinary Institute.
Hospitality Management Faculty
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Michael Krause
Michael Krause is a retired hotelier with close to 40 years in the hospitality business. As an owner and operator, Mr. Krause’s properties included major brands, at multiple levels, as well as the first non-gaming, all-suite property in Las Vegas.
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John Laloganes
John has a faculty position in the Kendall College School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at NLU. In 2012, Mr. Laloganes was awarded the Sommelier/Wine Steward of the Year by the IACP International Association of Culinary Professionals.
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Paul Romer
Paul Romer, a faculty member in the Kendall College School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at NLU, has been with Kendall since January 2016 and teaches Meeting/Event Marketing, Event Technology/ Production and Experiential Learning.
The latest hospitality industry buzz
A look inside the kitchen: See what's happening at Kendall.
This is where the hospitality industry comes to life.
From state-of-the-art kitchens to a “living classroom” where students prepare and serve meals in a restaurant setting, our facilities are second to none. We invite you to explore our downtown Chicago campus from the comfort of your computer with a virtual tour.
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Living and learning beyond the classroom
Our student organizations provide opportunities for students to grow, engage in professional development, explore a variety of cultural experiences and pursue interests beyond the classroom.
Accommodations in the middle of it all.
Living in a dynamic city like Chicago is often considered among the highlights of a student’s experience at National Louis University. Located five blocks from campus, the University Center offers residents a unique living experience in a high-rise building located in the heart of Chicago - steps from the best the city has to offer - from summer festivals and year-round entertainment to great restaurants and shopping.
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Everything we do lays the groundwork for a career.
Higher education should inspire and accelerate the next step of a student’s career. Career Bridge is designed to foster meaningful connections between students, alumni and employers, sparking opportunity and making career preparation seamless.
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Career Coach: Discover majors and in-demand careers and education
Take a Career Assessment to learn about yourself and Career Coach will give you career suggestions based on your interests, browse careers or search available programs that lead to the career you want.
For students, more career-launching opportunities
For many of our students, a college degree needs to be nothing less than a springboard for professional advancement. Our Career Bridge department ensures that every graduate leaves NLU with practical, real-world experience and valuable connections in their industry.
A premier hospitality education is more accessible than ever.
At Kendall College, we believe that your culinary and hospitality education is an investment in your future. Our programs are designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to excel in the competitive culinary and hospitality industries. We are committed to helping you achieve your career goals and aspirations.
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Browse the menu of financial aid options
At Kendall College, we understand that financing your education is a significant consideration. That's why we offer a range of financial aid options to help make your culinary and hospitality dreams a reality. Explore the various ways you can fund your education and invest in your future.
A grant, like a scholarship, is a financial aid award that you do not have to repay. All grants available to National Louis University students are funded by the federal or state government and require students to complete the FAFSA to be considered for the resources.
For the fourth straight year, National Louis University has kept tuition rates the same and added new scholarship opportunities, making NLU one of the most afforable universities in the Chicago area.
Community services are defined as services that are identified by an institution of higher education though formal or informal consultation with local nonprofit, government, and community-based organizations, as designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income individuals, or to solve particular problems related to their needs.
A student loan is a low-interest loan extended by the federal government to help you pay for your education. To qualify for a loan, you must be enrolled at least half-time in classes at National Louis University.
There are numerous education benefits that the Department of Veterans Affairs offers eligible students. One of the most popular benefits that students use at NLU is the Post 9/11 GI Bill ®. This benefit often allows students to receive their degree from NLU with little to no debt.
Available jobs will be posted on Handshake which students can access through the student portal. Students will be able to view the open positions and apply for them.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federal program which offers eligible students part-time opportunities to work up to twenty hours per week and earn a pay check.
As part of our commitment to providing quality, affordable education, National Louis University offers a Graduate Assistantship Program. Graduate Assistant positions are available to graduate students to help finance their education.
Dedicated to serving up career success
What’s next?
Want to learn more about Kendall College? If you're ready to make your culinary and hospitality career dreams a reality, here's what comes next.
Begin your journey by submitting your application to Kendall College. We're excited to have you join our community.
Ensure you meet all the admissions requirements. This may include submitting transcripts, test scores and any additional documents.
Schedule a meeting with our Student Finance team to explore financial aid options, scholarships and tuition payment plans that suit your needs.
Get ready to embark on your academic journey! You'll receive your class schedule, along with other important information about campus life and resources.
