Frequently Asked Questions

Sections:

How much are classes?
Visit Tuition and Aid for the current tuition rate. Textbooks for classes usually cost approximately $75. If you are in a laboratory class, you will need to purchase some tools and a uniform, and pay a lab fee.

Where can I purchase knives and supplies?
View Supply List

Schweppes Restaurant Supply
376W. North Ave., Lombard, IL
Toll free: (888) 606-3500

What to Wear to Class
Students who are enrolled in any culinary, pastry or management laboratory classes will need to purchase uniforms as part of the class requirements.

The food or baking production class uniform consists of the following:

Black, closed toe, slip-resistant leather shoes
Comfortable socks
Black and white checked pants
Apron
Skullcap
Side towel
Long sleeve chef coat with name and program insignia
Neckerchief
Pocket thermometer
Knife kit

To purchase uniforms:
View Uniform Information

Chefwear
2300 Windsor Ct., Suite C
Addison, IL

www.chefwear.com/cod
Toll free: (800) 568-2433

Purchase black, non-skid sole shoes at any store.

How many hours will I need to study each week?
We generally tell students that they would need to study about three hours each week for each hour of credit. For example, if you are enrolled in 15 hours of classes, you would need to study about 45 hours each week to do well in your classes.

Where is College of DuPage?
The college is located about 25 miles west of downtown Chicago. See campus maps.

Where are classes?
Beginning Fall 2011, all classes will be held in the new Culinary and Hospitality Center.

Is on-campus housing available?
There is no on-campus housing at COD You may contact Student Activities at (630) 942-2243 for further information about the location of a housing listing board.

Are scholarships available?
There are scholarships available throughout the school year.

College of DuPage has transfer agreements with many fine four-year institutions. Please talk to one of the department faculty for a current listing of schools available.

College of DuPage has a transfer agreement plan with the following colleges and universities:

DePaul University (formal agreement in progress)
Kendall College (formal agreement in progress)
Lexington College (formal agreement in progress)
Purdue University (formal agreement in progress)
Roosevelt University (formal agreement in progress)

Can I find a job after graduation?
Currently, more jobs exist than employees to fill then. We are very lucky to have many job opportunities in the DuPage County area.

How much money can I make upon graduation?
Graduate salaries are dependent upon several factors: the size of the company, the student's needs for benefits, and the student's work experience. In general, our students will earn an hourly wage ranging from $10 to $12 per hour. If a student is in a managerial position, a salary range of $20,000 to $30,000 per year is not uncommon. Please remember that the opportunities for advancement for well-prepared people are great, as the industry can never meet the demands of employer needs.

Should I join a student chapter of ACF or HSMAI?
Students are encouraged to join their local American Culinary Federation chapter or student chapter of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). ACF meetings are held monthly around the Chicago area. An educational seminar is followed by networking and a dinner meeting. If you wish to become certified as a culinarian, then you must be a member of the ACF. For students joining HSMAI, the benefits are numerous and helpful toward a career in this industry.