How To Apply

What It Takes

To be admitted to the Academy, you must:

  • Attend an Open House
  • Submit an application to apply for admission
  • Submit a copy of your high school diploma or GED or be 18 years of age or older
  • Take the college's Placement Test
  • Apply for financial aid or scholarships (See above) for incoming students
  • Make an appointment to register for classes by calling (609) 343-5624.

The college reserves seats "first-come, first served," as students complete the steps to enrollment. For complete information, review the criteria for admission to Atlantic Cape, seeking a degree. Once you're accepted to the Academy, you'll be scheduled for a registration session and orientation.

Have questions or need more information? Make an appointment with our Admissions staff at (609) 343-5642 for help completing these steps or call the Admissions Office at (609) 343-5000, (609) 463-4774, ext. 5000, or (800) 645-CHEF.

Scholarships at the Academy

The Academy offers many scholarships for new and returning students on a semester basis. Typically, awards range from $500 to $3,000, with one full-tuition scholarship available annually to a new student who meets the criteria. Scholarships are available Online to a limited number of students who meet the eligibility guidelines and are accepted to the Academy as new students for the fall or spring semester.   

Scholarship funds are raised through special events, private donations or on-campus activities.

Academy scholarships include

  • The Atlantic Cape Community College Restaurant Gala Scholarships. Over $100,000 was awarded last year.
  • Vince deFinis Restaurant Gala Scholarship
  • Chaine des Rotisseurs Scholarship
  • Frances M. Zaberer Foundation Scholarships
  • William Sprinzing Endowment Scholarship
  • Atlantic City Hotel & Lodging Scholarships
  • Bob Friend Scholarship of Culinary Arts
  • Joseph R. Dougherty Memorial Scholarship
  • Major League Management Scholarship
  • Atlantic City Restaurant Association Scholarship
  • Careme's Scholarship
  • Michael John Brown Memorial Scholarships
  • V. Lawrence Brice Endowment Scholarship

Annual campaign scholarship applications are accepted during late fall and early winter, with forms available on-line and in the college's Financial Aid  office and the Academy office. Awards are made at the Scholarship and Awards Ceremony in May, when the recipient is invited to meet the scholarship donor.

Other Scholarship Sources

180 Center Place Way
St. Augustine, FL 32085
Phone: (800) 624-9458

  • Call for local chapter information on scholarships
  • Apprenticeship program
  • National level scholarships

1303 Jefferson Street, Suite 100-B
Napa, CA 94559
Phone (800) 274-AIWF (2493)
Fax (707) 255-1926

  • This umbrella trade organization produces "A Guide to College Programs" in Hospitality & Tourism that lists available scholarships.

IACP Foundation
304 W. Liberty St., Suite 305
San Francisco, CA 94104
Phone: (415) 362-7336

  • Awards scholarships and assists women with culinary education
  • Chapters in most major cities

175 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60604-2702
Phone: (800) 765-2122
Phone: (312) 715-1010
E-mail: info@nraef.org

  • Offers scholarships for management training, as well as educational video training sessions, seminars, and opportunities for persons in the hospitality industry.

Trina Gribbins, Director of Administration
IACP Foundation
304 W. Liberty Street, Suite 201
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 581-9786 ext. 264
Fax: (502) 589-3602
E-mail: tgribbins@hqtrs.com

  • Awards scholarships on an annual cycle, with an application deadline of December 1 for scholarships beginning the following July 1.

IFSEA Headquarters
Jean Sullivan
836 San Bruno Ave.
Henderson, NV 89015
Phone: (702) 564-0997
Fax: (702) 564-4836
Toll Free: (888) 234-3732
E-mail:   Jean@ifsea.com

  • This group provides scholarships of its own and also provides information about scholarships offered by other organizations.

P.O. Box 491
Hyde Park, NY 12538
Phone: (845) 229-6973
Fax: (845) 229-6993
E-mail: ifec@aol.com

  • Awards between four and six scholarships annually to persons seeking careers that combine food service and communications.

167 W. 12th St.
New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 675-4984
(800) 362-3273

  • Organization of food professionals, devoted to the ideals and principles of a legendary American cook and writer James Beard.
  • Awards a number of substantial scholarships each year. The application deadline is March 1 and awards are made in early May.

Tuition and Fees

IMPORTANT! The college can't process your registration unless tuition and fees are paid in full or payment arrangements are made.

Typical Cost

A typical full-time student taking 12 culinary credits can expect to pay about $8,962.30 per semester, including fees. A three-credit culinary course is approximately $2,045.70 including fees. You'll need to allow for tuition and fees, textbooks, tools and uniforms. For a rough estimate of the typical cost for a two-year program, visit the sample cost summaries.

Ways to Pay

Atlantic Cape offers financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, student loans and work-study program. Click here for more information about financial aid. Also, the college accepts cash, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, checks or money orders (payable to Atlantic Cape Community College or Atlantic Cape). Vouchers and purchase orders also are accepted by a person or agency providing a form or letter authorizing Atlantic Cape to bill for tuition and fees. For more detailed information, view the college's payment plan.

Out of County (Chargebacks)

If you're outside of Atlantic or Cape May counties, you may pay more. Some counties will allow us to bill them for the out-of-county portion of tuition. That's known as a  chargeback. When figuring your estimated cost, you'll need to determine if your county offers chargebacks. To find out more, contact the Admissions Office at (609) 343-5000.

For More

Click to learn more about required insurance, tuition refunds, and payment plans.

Equal Opportunity

Atlantic Cape Community College accepts all students who meet the admission requirements, regardless of gender, race, creed or national origin.