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NEW Payment Plan Option


Pay Over Time with Affirm

Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute now offers eligible students the option to finance tuition through Affirm. Visit metroculinaryarts.com/shop, select your program, and choose Google Pay at checkout to see whether the Pay Later with Affirm option is available to you.

Important details:

  • Qualified applicants may be approved for financing up to $20,000.
  • Approval is determined individually by Affirm and is not guaranteed.
  • Affirm may approve the full amount, a partial amount, or require a down payment.
  • Payment terms and interest rates vary based on eligibility.
  • Applicants will see their available payment options before completing the transaction.
  • MCAI does not determine approval, financing limits, interest rates, or repayment terms.

This new option gives students greater flexibility in managing tuition while preparing for a professional culinary career.

Flexible Ways to Pay for

Culinary School

Even though we are the least expensive culinary school in the country, the tuition is still standing in the way of serious students and their professional culinary education in Culinary Arts or Breads & Pastry Arts.


We now offer several tuition payment options:

  • Pay tuition in full
  • Use GI Bill® education benefits, if eligible
  • Choose our interest-free weekly payment plan, provided payments are made on time and the full tuition balance is paid by the end of the semester. Speak to our recruiter.
  • Apply to pay over time with Affirm, subject to approval


We believe Affirm is one of the strongest financing options available because eligible students may be able to spread tuition payments over a longer period instead of completing payment during the semester.


Applicants can review their available payment amount, interest rate, payment schedule and any required down payment before accepting the financing offer.


Qualified applicants may be approved for financing up to $20,000.


Approval is determined individually by Affirm and is not guaranteed. Affirm may approve the full amount, a partial amount or require a down payment. Interest rates and repayment terms vary based on eligibility.


How do you register?

1) Book a tour on open tour dates, and attend tour in person.

2) Fill out paperwork, discuss your payment options with Aaron, our recruiter.

3) If you decide to try to use Affirm, visit metroculinaryarts.com/shop, select your program and choose Google Pay at checkout to see whether Pay Later with Affirm is available.


Or, you can skip steps 1 and 2, to see if you qualify for Affirm payment program before you book a tour.

Cook Like a Pro in 3.5 Months 👨‍🍳 | MCAI's Accelerated Culinary School in Arlington, VA

GI BILL BENEFITS ACCEPTED!

If you are eligible for the Post 9/11 GI BILL or the VR&E Benefits you might be able to have your entire tuition paid in full. Get your COE (Certificate of Eligibility), book a tour and let's get you registered. GI BILL beneficiaries must sign up 6 weeks before the start of class. More information: (571) 484-1698 | EMAIL

Breads & Pastry Arts Program


Lune's Graduation Video on TikTok


The next Accelerated Breads & Pastry Arts Certificate begins July 25 summer.


Train for a career in baking and pastry with 480 hours of hands-on instruction.


At MCAI, small class sizes and expert-led training ensure no student is left behind. Graduates are job-ready to work in bakeries and pastry shops—and we offer job assistance.


Earn your SCHEV-certified certificate and start your path to baking and pastry mastery with our Accelerated Breads & Pastry Arts program.



[Click here to Book a Tour]

Breads & Pastry

21 Weeks Evening

Start Date: SATURDAY, July 25, 2026

End Date: Friday, December 12, 2026


IN-PERSON 


Part-time

  • SATURDAYS 9AM - 5PM 
  • MONDAY - FRIDAY 6PM - 10PM 


Weeks Off: 

  • September 5 - 11
  • October 12 - 17
  • November 23 - 28

Total Weeks: 21 

Total Program Hours: 480

  • $19,900 (THIS IS THE LAST TIME TUITION WILL BE THIS LOW)


Breads & Pastry 
14 Weeks Daytime

Start Date: Monday, August 31, 2026

End Date: Friday, December 4, 2026


IN-PERSON  


Full-Time

  • MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM - 5PM


Weeks Off:

  • Labor Day Sept. 7
  • Sept 28-Oct. 2
  • November 24-27

Total Weeks: 14

Total Program Hours: 480

 $17,500


Culinary Arts Program

Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate begins June 1.


Train for a career in culinary arts with 480 hours of hands-on instruction.


At MCAI, small class sizes and expert-led training ensure no student is left behind. Graduates are job-ready for junior sous chef roles—with career support that extends beyond the classroom.


Earn your SCHEV-certified certificate and start your path to culinary mastery.



[Click here to Book a Tour]

Culinary Arts

21 Weeks Evening

21 Weeks (Evening) 2026

Start Date: SATURDAY, August 17, 2026

End Date: Saturday, January 15, 2027

IN-PERSON 

  •  Part-time
  • SATURDAYS 9AM - 5PM
  • MONDAY - FRIDAY 6PM - 10PM 

Weeks Off: 


  • November 23 - 29
  • December 21 - 26
  • December 28-Jan 2

Total Weeks: 21 

Total Program Hours: 480

Investment in Your Future:

  • $21,900


Culinary Arts

14 Weeks Daytime

14 Weeks (Daytime) 2026

Start Date: Monday, September 7, 2026

End Date: Friday, December 11, 2026

IN-PERSON 

  • Full-Time

MONDAY - FRIDAY

  • 9AM - 5PM

TWO WEEKS OFF: 

  • October 5 - 9
  • November 23 - 29

Total Weeks: 14

Total Program Hours: 480

Investment in your future:

  • $17,500



Why Choose MCAI


At MCAI, we are committed to teaching culinary skills helping students build lasting careers in the food industry.


We foster a learning environment where students gain both the technical expertise and the confidence needed to thrive in kitchens of all kinds, from restaurants and catering businesses to nonprofit kitchens and bakeries.


We help students set realistic expectations and develop the adaptability required for long-term success.


Whether you're aiming to become a chef, baker, or food entrepreneur, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way. Our advocacy and career support goes beyond the classroom. We provide guidance on job opportunities, and resume building, to ensure students are ready for the professional world.



MCAI is SCHEV-certified and ACF-approved, Veterans' Administration appvoed - meaning our curriculum meets the highest industry standards in Northern Virginia.


Visit our website - dates and pricing are on there!


Book a Tour - Wednesdays at 6pm and Saturday at 10am.


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Before signing up for our culinary arts programs, PLEASE schedule a tour!

Choose an in person tour at MCAI or meet us on ZOOM. Click the button above.

Evening students chat about why they choose MCAI.

Meet Chef Hugh Cossard, Director of Education, and Knighted Chef in France.

Chef Patrick sets the record straight—MCAI doesn’t operate like the high-pressure kitchens you see on TV. Instead, students are held to elite culinary standards with real mentorship and professional expectations. No yelling, just results.

Certified and Program Accredited by The State Council of Higher Education of Virginia and American Culinary Foundation Approved

 
 

Professional Culinary School: Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute | www.metroculinaryarts.com

Recreational Culinary School: Cookology Culinary School | www.cookologyonline.com