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CSCA Admissions
Our admissions process is your opportunity to get to know the CSCA faculty, staff, facilities and culture, while we get to know you as an individual and prospective student. We want to make sure you are confident and excited about your decision to pursue your culinary education at CSCA, and are here to answer any questions you may have. We also strongly suggest observing one of our classes for a day to experience our school through the eyes of a student.
CERTIFICATE CULINARY PROGRAM
CULINARY TRACK
Breakdown
Tuition: $14,925
Equipment: $1,280
Class Materials: $295
Textbooks: $50
ServSafe® Exam Answer Sheet: $45
Application Fee: $45*
Payment Options
1. Full payment at the commencement of classes,
2. Half payments at the commencement of classes & beginning of second semester
*Non-refundable fee
PROFESSIONAL CHEF'S PROGRAM
CULINARY TRACK
Breakdown
Tuition: $29,995
Equipment: $1,280
Class Materials: $600
Textbooks: $50
ServSafe® Exam Answer Sheet: $45
Application Fee: $45*
Payment Options
1. Full payment at the commencement of classes,
2. Half payments at the commencement of classes & beginning of second semester
3. Quarterly payments due prior to the beginning of each quarter
*Non-refundable fee
CERTIFICATE PASTRY PROGRAM
PASTRY TRACK
Breakdown
Tuition: $14,925
Equipment: $1,280
Class Materials: $295
Textbooks: $50
ServSafe® Exam Answer Sheet: $45
Application Fee: $45*
Payment Options
1. Full payment at the commencement of classes,
2. Half payments at the commencement of classes & beginning of second semester
*Non-refundable fee
PROFESSIONAL PASTRY PROGRAM
PASTRY TRACK
Breakdown
Tuition: $29,995
Equipment: $1,280
Class Materials: $600
Textbooks: $50
ServSafe® Exam Answer Sheet: $45
Application Fee: $45*
Payment Options
1. Full payment at the commencement of classes,
2. Half payments at the commencement of classes & beginning of second semester
3. Quarterly payments due prior to the beginning of each quarter
*Non-refundable fee
Application Process
1. Eligibility & Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed high school or the equivalent.
- All applicants for whom English is a second language, must also demonstrate competency in English.
- A completed online application
- A non-refundable application fee of $45.00
- A personal statement detailing your background, training, or experience in the culinary arts (if applicable), interests, goals, and reasons for applying
- A resume
- Official copies of your most recent educational transcripts: high school, high school equivalent (GED, HiSet, or TASC), or college
- Two letters of reference from an employer, co-worker, or friend
- A passport-sized photograph
2. Complete Your Paperwork Online
As soon as all completed online application has been received, you will be contacted to arrange your personal interview and pay your application fee online. You will have the option to submit additional materials online, have them mailed to CSCA, or bring them with you to your interview. All interviews are completed on campus, although phone interviews will be granted under special circumstances.
Following the individual interview, your application materials will be evaluated by our admissions team, and a decision will be made within two weeks. All decisions are made, and applicants are notified, on a rolling basis.
Please submit additional materials online or mail to:
Cambridge School of Culinary Arts
Attn: Admissions
2020 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02140
Academic Calendar
January 2027 Certificate Programs (16 Weeks)
Orientation: January 21, 2027
Classes Begin: January 25, 2027
Classes End: May 14, 2027
Graduation: Date TBD
January 2027 Professional Programs (37 Weeks)
Orientation: January 21, 2027
Classes Begin: January 25, 2027
Summer Break: June 25, 2027
Classes Resume: September 13, 2027
Thanksgiving Break: November 22, 2027
Classes Resume: November 29, 2027
Winter Break: December 20, 2027
Classes Resume: January, 3, 2028
Classes End: January 14, 2028
Graduation: Date TBD
Orientation
Thursday, January 21, 2027
Culinary Programs*
Day Program:
Labs I & II: Wednesday & Thursday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (2 days per week)
Seminar: Wednesday Evenings 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm (1 evening per week)
Evening Program**:
Labs I & II: Monday and Tuesday 4:30 pm – 12:30 am (2 days per week)
Seminar: Wednesday Evenings 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm (1 evening per week)
Pastry Programs*
Labs I & II: Monday and Tuesday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (2 days per week)
Seminar: Tuesday Evenings 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm (1 evening per week)
*Schedule subject to change.
Schedule Advantages
Flexible scheduling is a unique feature of the Culinary Certificate Program and Professional Chef’s Program and allows students to work while attending school. Many students set up residence in Cambridge and neighboring cities, while others take advantage of flexible scheduling to commute to and from their home base. Many students maintain employment during non-school hours, helping to offset the cost of education.
Students may elect from day and evening laboratory classes to formulate a schedule that best suits their needs. Morning classes begin at 8:00 am and evening classes begin at 4:00 pm. Each class is designed to last eight hours. Lab class times vary by semester. Seminars begin at 5:30 pm.
The professional program mandates two lab classes and one evening seminar per week. The school does not offer part-time status.
May 2027 Certificate Programs
Orientation: May 7, 2027
Classes Begin: May 10, 2027
Classes End: August 27, 2027
Graduation: Date TBD
Speak With Admissions
We understand that choosing a culinary school isn’t always easy, so we’re here to help you make a confident, informed decision about your future. Schedule a 15-minute phone call with our Admissions Manager to get an introduction to our programs, an overview of the application process, and answers to all your questions.
Tuition and Fees
All students in the Certificate and Professional Programs may select the tuition payment plan that best serves their needs. Tuition can be paid in full, half, or on a quarterly basis. CSCA is not a Title IV school and not eligible for federally subsidized loans. Students should contact our admissions office for information about payment plans and assistance.
Veteran Applicants
Applicants who believe they may be eligible to receive VA educational benefits should complete the application process through the VA to determine eligibility by visiting www.ebenefits.va.gov or www.gibill.va.gov/. We ask eligible students to bring all documentation in accordance with eligibility to your admissions interview.
Any student who receives funding from a third party is responsible for any remaining balance not covered under eligibility through the third party.
Nonimmigrant Applicants
CSCA is approved for attendance of nonimmigrant (M-1) students. Admissions requirements and procedures are the same as those for students who are citizens of the U.S., with the following exceptions:
- Once accepted, students are eligible for admission into the U.S. only if a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status for Vocational Students (I-20 M-N) is completed and properly endorsed by the official designated by CSCA. Accepted students should apply to the American consulate in their country for visas available to students.
- Documentary evidence of the student’s financial ability as required is included.
Foreign applicants must be fluent in English. A standardized admissions test or TOEFL may be used at the discretion of the admissions office.
Please note: International students residing either outside or inside of the USA must submit a completed application for the Professional Chef’s Program, Professional Pastry Program, Culinary Certificate Program, or the Certificate Pastry Program at least 60 days before the class start dates for each term.