Tuition
Our full program tuition is under the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s annual private-school cap — for students at the 100% benefit level, the VA pays it directly to the school. You never front the money.
Your education benefit
How your benefit applies at Cook Street
Housing (Day Program)
While enrolled full-time in the Day Program, eligible students receive a monthly housing stipend based on the E-5-with-dependents BAH rate for our Denver campus ZIP code.
Books & supplies
Eligible students receive a book stipend paid directly to them, alongside the housing stipend.
Transferability
If a spouse or parent transferred their Post-9/11 benefits to you, the same coverage applies.
Benefit percentages scale with length of service — our Admissions team will walk through your specific eligibility with you.
Built for teams
The kitchen runs on the brigade system. You’ll recognize it.
Clear hierarchy and defined stationsIntensity, timing, and trust under pressureClassical craft and industry credentials
Professional kitchens are built on structure most people have to learn from scratch: clear hierarchy, defined stations, intensity under pressure, and total reliance on the person next to you. If you’ve served, you already know how to work inside that. What Cook Street adds in 16 weeks is the craft — French and Italian classical technique, pastry training, and the ServSafe® certification employers require — plus résumé development and job placement support during the program and after graduation. No guarantees, just working chefs who make real introductions.
And it’s fast. Sixteen weeks — August 31 to December 18, Monday–Friday, 7:30am–2:30pm most days — from first day to certificate.
~70miles to Denver
Coming from the Springs? We’ve thought about that.
Cook Street is in Denver’s Golden Triangle — about 70 miles from Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, and the Academy. Many of our students relocate or commute for the 16-week program, and the Day Program’s monthly housing stipend is designed for exactly this. Ask our Admissions Director about housing options in Denver — we maintain current information on where students stay.
Plan the term
The details
Program
Culinary Arts Certificate — Day Program Aug 31 – Dec 18, 2026 · 16 weeks · Mon–Fri, 7:30am–2:30pm most days (Evening Program also VA-eligible for tuition; no housing benefit)
Class size
Maximum 20 students per term
Approvals
Regulated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational Schools. Endorsed by the American Culinary Federation Foundation.
All-inclusive
knife kit, uniform, textbooks, pastry training, ServSafe® certification, class materials, and the $500 Administrative Fee — all within the $19,500
Talk to Admissions
Check your VA benefit alignment. It takes two minutes.
Tell us your service status and we’ll confirm exactly what your benefits cover here — tuition, housing stipend, and timeline — before you commit to anything.
Important
This form starts a conversation with Cook Street Admissions. It is not a VA eligibility determination.
Check Your Eligibility
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.va.gov/education.