School and Ranking Info
The two schools in Dallas, TX, that offer programs in restaurant management include a for-profit institute and a community college. The latter was chosen as the best school for restaurant management based upon its affordable tuition and professionally accredited program in food and hospitality services.
- Winner: Dallas College, El Centro Campus is the flagship school of the Dallas County Community College District and the only one with a program in food and hospitality. One of three locations associated with the college, the El Centro Downtown Campus serves as home to the Food and Hospitality Institute, where students can earn a certificate or an associate degree in food and hospitality service.
School Info Chart
| Category | Dallas College, El Centro Campus |
|---|---|
| Location | Dallas, TX |
| School Type | 2-year; public |
| Tuition and Fees (2021-2022) | Undergraduate: $2,370 (in-district); $4,050 (in-state); $6,000 (out-of-state)* |
| Restaurant Management Awards Offered | Certificate and associate |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal degree time) for 2018 Entering Class | 19%* |
| Noteworthy | American Culinary Federation accredits the AAS Degree in Food and Hospitality Service program |
Sources: *NCES College Navigator
El Centro College
- Food and Hospitality Institute at El Centro College among 'America's Top 22 Culinary Schools', per FSR magazine in 2016
- Food and hospitality services students can enroll in daytime, evening and Saturday classes
- Food and hospitality services program includes a 3-credit cooperative education experience
- Hospitality electives allow for specialized courses in catering, garde manger, hospitality law and viticulture
At El Centro College, students interested in restaurant management can pursue a Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Food and Hospitality Service; a Certified Food and Hospitality Manager program is also available. Degree-seeking students must take the Texas Success Initiative exam.
The 34-36-credit Certificate in Food and Hospitality Service program takes three semesters to complete and includes courses in sanitation and safety, food preparation, cost control and dining room service. Students also learn about basic baking procedures and nutrition and take a class in facilities design or hospitality marketing.
The 60-credit AAS in Food and Hospitality Service program requires five semesters to complete and includes all of the courses found in the certificate program, as well as a general education core and additional topics in American or international cuisine and purchasing. Aspiring professionals in the 24-credit Certified Food and Hospitality Manager program complete seven courses and a cooperative education experience, which takes place during the third and final semester.
