NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Delgado Community College’s culinary program ranks 15th out of 50 schools throughout the U.S., according to Best Choice Schools, a free website aimed at helping college students and career changers pick the best university.

Culinary colleges were judged on hands-on experience, internship/externship opportunities, student-operated restaurants, modern facilities and a solid reputation in the industry. Best Choice Schools only looked at schools that were nationally accredited or accredited by the American Culinary Federation.

The Culinary Arts Program at Delgado Community College offers degree programs in chef apprenticeship, pastry arts and catering. The college also offers certificates for line cooks, culinary management and pastry art.

Catering students learn how to set up both on and offsite catering. Pastry arts students are prepared to work in pastry shops, hotels and private bakeries.

Best Choice Schools says students at Delgado are prepared for entry to mid-level positions in the culinary industry, and the Chef Apprentice Program allows students to study under some of the best chefs in New Orleans. The website says all programs and certificates equip students with plenty of hands-on experience.

The first ranked culinary school is the International Culinary Center in New York and California. The school offers the following professional programs in culinary arts: Pastry arts, Culinary and Farm-to-table, Italian Culinary Arts, Cake Techniques and Design, Bread Baking and Intensive Sommelier Training.