- Credential
- Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts
- Published length
- Two years; 71 credits
- Format
- Campus kitchens and dining rooms, with practical work experience
- Campus
- Asheville, NC — Asheville Campus
Who might consider this program?
For someone seeking a broad culinary degree with campus food production and dining-service practice.
A-B Tech's 71-credit Culinary Arts A.A.S. combines cooking instruction with the operational subjects needed in food service. The 2026–2027 curriculum covers sanitation, baking, cold-kitchen work, production, nutrition, customer service, purchasing, cost control and human resources. The college identifies prep cook, line cook and station chef as possible entry-level roles; advancement to leadership positions depends on experience. Students must earn a C or better in designated ACA, CUL, HRM and work-based learning courses. Practical facilities include five kitchens and campus dining rooms. Culinary and hospitality students stage lunches and dinners in the Magnolia and Fernihurst buildings on the Asheville Campus during fall and spring terms. Those service experiences are part of the program's hands-on setting, rather than a published promise of a particular weekly class schedule.
Source 1What does it cost?
These figures describe the selected campus and credential before gift aid. Each row states its scope; a tuition figure and a bundled school charge are different measures.
| Scenario | Amount and calculation | Still to add |
|---|---|---|
| NC resident: uncapped tuition scenario | $5,396 71 credits × $76 = $5,396 before applying the 16-credit-per-semester cap. This deliberately uncapped scenario may exceed actual tuition for a semester with 17+ credits; it assumes unchanged rates and no repeated courses. Source 1 · Source 2 · Source 3 | All fees and the separately estimated $3,465 books/tools/uniforms/consumables are extra. |
Fees, equipment and other expenses
The program cost page separately estimates $375 consumable supplies, $2,315 books, $430 tools and $345 uniforms: $3,465 combined. Listed semester charges total $100, plus $40 activity fee in fall/spring. Living costs are additional. These are school estimates, not a guaranteed enrollment quote.
Calculations assume current rates continue, no repeated courses and the stated course load. Living costs and lost earnings are separate. Loans do not reduce the price.
Add your living costs and gift aid →Can it fit around a job?
Class meeting times and an evening or weekend completion route were not verified. Ask for the current cohort timetable.
Source 1What practical training is involved?
The curriculum includes approved-employer work-based learning and progressively more advanced culinary laboratories.
Source 1Before you apply
The catalog requires C or better in ACA, CUL, HRM and WBL courses; prior ServSafe Manager certification may satisfy CUL 110 under the school’s stated policy.
What still needs an individual answer
- A dependable whole-program weekly timetable was not found in the reviewed pages.
- Tuition caps mean the uncapped calculation is a planning scenario, not the final bill.
Questions for your enrollment or advising appointment
- What is the current sequence of credits by semester, including summer?
- What days and hours are required for kitchens, dining service and work-based learning?
- Can you provide an updated itemized program budget for my residency status?
Sources & further reading
- 2026–2027 Culinary Arts A.A.S. curriculum
- Culinary Arts and Hospitality facilities and campus
- Program cost estimate
Source information checked September 25, 2026.
By Culinary Field Guide · AI-assisted research of official sources. No campus visit or personal attendance is claimed. Research method and limitations.