Top Pastry Chef Schools in Colorado: Find Your Best Baking Program

For those looking to start their journey to becoming a pastry chef, look no further. Colorado has a thriving culinary scene, which makes it a great place to train as a pastry chef. The state’s emphasis on local ingredients and sustainable food practices provides an excellent environment for aspiring chefs.

In guide, we’ll go over the best pastry chef schools in Colorado, their programs, and hands-on training options to help you choose the right path for your culinary career.

Best Pastry Schools in Colorado

Colorado offers top culinary schools with pastry programs focusing on hands-on learning and sustainable practices. Schools like Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Cook Street School, Emily Griffith Technical College, and Colorado Mesa University are just a few of the institutions that provide diverse courses to prepare students for pastry careers.

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Located in Boulder, Auguste Escoffier School offers various comprehensive pastry programs. Students learn skills such as baking techniques, dessert preparation, and sustainable ingredient sourcing. The school also provides real-world training through externships and mentorships.

Cook Street School of Culinary Arts

Cook Street School in Denver offers an intensive five-month pastry program. Its small class sizes allow personalized instruction, making the quality of education just that much more valuable. The curriculum mainly covers baking techniques, pastry skills, frozen desserts, and advanced presentation methods.

Emily Griffith Technical College

Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver offers a flexible, seven-month pastry program. The hybrid format combines in-person and online learning, making it the perfect option for students with varied availability. Students receive practical training, though supplies are not included in tuition.

Colorado Mesa University

Located in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University offers a baking and pastry chef program that provides students with a strong foundation in culinary techniques. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and prepares graduates for various career paths in the pastry industry.

Online Pastry Chef Schools

For students seeking flexible learning options, online schools provide an alternative to traditional programs. Many accredited pastry chef schools in Colorado offer online baking and pastry arts courses.

These programs include video demonstrations, interactive assignments, and virtual mentorships to ensure hands-on learning, even from home. Online pastry programs allow students to balance their education with work or other commitments while gaining the necessary skills for a career in the culinary industry. Some of these institutions also provide some form of hands-on work.

Average Rent Near Culinary Schools in Colorado

Housing is a key factor to consider when planning to attend a pastry school in Colorado. Rent prices vary significantly based on the city and proximity to campus, which is why we’ve created a breakdown of average off-campus rent near several culinary schools across the state to help you budget effectively.

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts – Boulder, CO

Average Rent: Approximately $2,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Rental Range:
- 1-bedroom apartments: Around $2,200 per month.
- 2-bedroom apartments: Approximately $2,800 per month.
Nearby Areas:
- Longmont, CO: Average rent of $1,800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Louisville, CO: Average rent of $2,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Cook Street School of Culinary Arts – Denver, CO

Average Rent: Approximately $1,800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Rental Range:
- 1-bedroom apartments: Around $1,800 per month.
- 2-bedroom apartments: Approximately $2,400 per month.
Nearby Areas:
- Aurora, CO: Average rent of $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Lakewood, CO: Average rent of $1,600 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Emily Griffith Technical College – Denver, CO

Average Rent: Approximately $1,800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Rental Range:
- 1-bedroom apartments: Around $1,800 per month.
- 2-bedroom apartments: Approximately $2,400 per month.
Nearby Areas:
- Aurora, CO: Average rent of $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Lakewood, CO: Average rent of $1,600 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Colorado Mesa University – Grand Junction, CO

Average Rent: Approximately $1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Rental Range:
- 1-bedroom apartments: Around $1,200 per month.
- 2-bedroom apartments: Approximately $1,500 per month.
Nearby Areas:
- Fruita, CO: Average rent of $1,100 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Clifton, CO: Average rent of $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Additional Cost Considerations

When attending pastry school in Colorado, it’s important to look beyond tuition and rent. Daily living expenses such as utilities, transportation, and food can add up quickly and impact your overall financial plan. Below are some key areas to consider when estimating your total cost of living as a culinary student in Colorado.

Utilities

In most off-campus housing arrangements, utilities are not included in the rent. Monthly utility expenses usually include electricity, water, gas, and internet, which can range from $150 to $250 depending on location, provider, and usage. Students should factor these into their monthly budget and check with landlords to understand which services are covered.

Transport and Commute

Transportation costs will vary depending on how far you live from campus and whether you rely on a car or public transit. In cities like Denver and Boulder, students may use local bus and rail systems, with monthly passes ranging from $50 to $114. Those who drive should account for gas, parking, and maintenance, which could add $200–$350 per month to their expenses.

Food and Supplies

Food is a major monthly cost for culinary students, especially those who need to buy ingredients or kitchen tools for class. Grocery expenses typically range from $300 to $450 per month. In addition, students should budget for basic household supplies such as toiletries, cleaning products, and cookware. These costs also vary depending on how often you cook at home and eat out as well as your dietary habits.

Sample Monthly Budget for Students in Alaska

To help you plan your finances while attending pastry school in Colorado, we’ve created a sample monthly budget. This table outlines some of the common living expenses for students living off-campus and offers a realistic estimate of what you could expect to spend each month based on average costs across the state.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost
Rent	$1,200 – $2,200
Utilities (electricity, water, internet, gas)	$150 – $250
Transportation (public transit or car expenses)	$150 – $300
Groceries and Food	$300 – $450
Kitchen Supplies	$50 – $100
Phone Plan	$50 – $80
Personal Supplies	$100 – $150
Miscellaneous	$100 – $200
Total Estimated Cost	$2,100 – $3,730

Pastry Program Details

So what can you expect? Colorado’s baking programs blend theory with hands-on training to develop creativity and technical skills. This ensures that all important factors are covered when training to become a chef.

Curriculum and Courses

Programs cover fundamental and advanced pastry techniques. Courses include:

Baking fundamentals
Cake decoration
Chocolate work
Artisan bread making
Global dessert trends

Hands-On Training

Students gain practical experience with:

Pastry dough preparation
Dessert presentation
Food safety practices
Use of local ingredients

Externships and Mentorships

Some institutions also offer a route into Externships & internships. Externships provide real-world experience in professional kitchens while mentorships help students build connections with pastry industry professionals.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial aid options are available to students who qualify. Available assistance includes:

Scholarships
Federal and state grants
Work-study programs

Applying for Financial Aid

Not all institutions offer financial aid, while some institutions have specific deadlines when it comes to applying for financial assistance. Please contact your preferred institution’s financial office for more information.

Career Opportunities for Pastry Chefs

Graduates can find pastry careers in restaurants, bakeries, and catering businesses. Networking is also an excellent way for chefs to find new opportunities when it comes to career advancement.

Working in Bakeries and Restaurants

Pastry chefs work in commercial kitchens, preparing baked goods and desserts. Many start as assistants or interns and advance to higher roles once they’ve acquired the necessary experience.

Starting a Business

Entrepreneurs can open bakeries, cake shops, or catering businesses. Networking and mentorship programs also help support new business owners.

Advanced Career Paths

Experienced pastry chefs can specialize in cake design, chocolate, or artisan bread making. Some even pursue roles as pastry educators or food stylists.

Discover Culinary Jobs in Colorado

Colorado is home to a wide range of job opportunities in the culinary & food service industry. Whether you’re aiming to become a pastry chef, a cake decorator, or step into a leadership role, Colorado has listings that span various environments. We’ve created a list that highlights some of the current job openings across the state.

Job Title	Company	Location	Date Posted
Cook Supervisor (Cook Foreman)	Justice, Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System	Florence, CO	05/07/2025
Deli Baker	Pilot Company	Hudson, CO	05/07/2025
Baker’s Assistant	Baked In Telluride	Telluride, CO	04/18/2025
Assistant Pastry Chef	Kneaders Bakery & Cafe	Thornton, CO	04/12/2025

This list is meant to give you insight into what real-world employers are looking for during the hiring process. Job listings are not permanent and are limited to availability and seasonal demand.

Student Life and Community

Student life in Colorado offers culinary students a vibrant mix of outdoor adventure, diverse food culture, and a welcoming community. Whether you’re studying in Denver, Boulder, or a mountain town, you’ll find local markets, food festivals, and plenty of opportunities to connect with peers who share your passion for cooking and creativity.

Campus Facilities

Most programs include working in modern kitchens and pastry labs provide hands-on practice with industry-standard equipment.

Networking and Events

Students can attend food festivals and culinary competitions to connect with industry professionals.

Admissions Process

Applying for pastry school involves submitting an online application and the required documents.

Application Steps

Submit personal and educational details
Provide proof of high school completion
Write a personal statement (if required)

Enrollment Checklist

Verify required documents
Arrange financial aid (if needed)
Complete enrollment forms

Pastry Chef Job Outlook in Colorado

Colorado employed 4,620 pastry chefs in 2022, with projections reaching 5,260 by 2032, reflecting a 14% growth rate. The state expects around 790 annual job openings, offering strong opportunities in a growing culinary market.