Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute: 141 Students

141Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private forprofit2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute

Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute trains aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals in the heart of Miami's active food scene. The school serves 141 students who learn hands-on cooking techniques and restaurant management skills. Miami's diverse culinary landscape provides endless internship and job opportunities for graduates. The institute maintains a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized instruction in professional kitchens and dining rooms.

Students pay an average of $14,004 annually after financial aid, making culinary education relatively affordable. About 37% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage taking federal loans. The net price stays consistent across income levels, ranging from $13,908 to $14,353. However, only 34% of students complete their programs within six years, which raises questions about student persistence and program completion rates.

The student body reflects Miami's multicultural character, with 67% Hispanic students and women comprising 68% of enrollment. Most students come from Florida, with 82% being in-state residents. The predominantly local student base creates strong connections to Miami's restaurant industry. Students learn in small cohorts that mirror the close-knit teams found in professional kitchens throughout the city.

Academics & Faculty

Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute specializes in hands-on culinary arts and hospitality management training. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means students work closely with chef instructors in professional kitchens and labs. However, only 34% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the demanding nature of culinary programs and the industry's high turnover. The school focuses on practical skills like knife techniques, food safety, and restaurant management rather than traditional academics. Programs prepare students for careers as line cooks, pastry chefs, and restaurant supervisors. Students practice in real kitchen environments that mirror professional restaurant settings. The curriculum emphasizes industry standards and certification preparation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.9%

Campus Life

Small classes define the Mariano Moreno experience, with just 6 students per instructor and 141 total enrollment. The Miami location puts you in the heart of a major culinary scene where you'll smell Cuban coffee and hear three languages spoken before your first kitchen lab. Women make up 68% of students, while Hispanic students represent 67% of the student body, creating a active cultural mix that mirrors Miami's food landscape.

Forget winter coats - you'll need sunscreen year-round in South Florida's tropical climate. Most students commute since this is a specialized culinary institute without traditional dorms. The 82% in-state enrollment means many students already know Miami's best late-night spots for cafecito or weekend trips to South Beach. Kitchen labs run long hours, so students often grab quick meals at nearby food trucks or explore Little Havana's authentic restaurants. Weekend plans typically involve food festivals, beach time, or staging at Miami's high-end restaurants to gain real-world experience beyond the 33.9% graduation rate suggests most complete their programs.

Setting: City-Large
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 63°–74°F
July Avg: 80°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This Miami culinary institute draws students primarily from Florida, reflecting its strong local reputation in the hospitality industry. About two-thirds of students are women, which mirrors the gender composition found across many culinary programs nationwide. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, fitting naturally within Miami's cultural landscape where many families have deep culinary traditions. Over one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class students seeking practical career training. The small enrollment of 141 students creates an intimate learning environment where aspiring chefs can develop hands-on skills in a close-knit community.

Men: 31.9%
Women: 68.1%
White: 8.5%
Black: 7.8%
Hispanic: 67.4%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 81.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 36.6%

Location

The Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute sits in Miami, one of Florida's largest metropolitan areas with over 2.7 million residents. Miami's active food scene and tourism industry provide natural training grounds for culinary students. The city's international influence shows in the student body, where 67.38% of students are Hispanic. Miami's year-round warm climate and coastal location attract millions of visitors annually, creating abundant restaurant and hospitality job opportunities. The urban setting gives students access to everything from high-end hotels to food trucks. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute with similar schools in the region.

Address: Miami, Florida 33145-2627

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

How selective is admission at Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute?

The institute maintains a small, focused student body of just 141 students with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This specialized culinary arts program draws primarily Hispanic students who make up 67.38% of enrollment, reflecting Miami's diverse culinary scene.

What does Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,004 annually, with costs remaining consistent across income levels. Only 36.61% of students receive federal aid, suggesting many families can afford the tuition without extensive financial assistance for this career-focused culinary program.

What makes the academics unique at Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute?

The 6:1 student-faculty ratio provides intensive, hands-on training in culinary arts and hospitality. Women comprise 68.09% of students, reflecting the growing female presence in professional kitchens and food service management.

How successful are graduates from Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute?

The 6-year graduation rate stands at 33.90%, which is typical for specialized career programs where students often leave to enter the workforce early. The institute focuses on practical skills training rather than traditional academic completion metrics.

Where do most Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute students come from?

About 81.82% of students are Florida residents, taking advantage of Miami's active restaurant and hospitality industry. The urban location provides access to internships and job opportunities in one of America's major food destinations.

Is Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute worth it for culinary careers?

The institute offers specialized training with small class sizes and industry connections in Miami's competitive food scene. With relatively low borrowing rates at 36.61% and focused career preparation, students graduate with practical skills for immediate employment in culinary arts and hospitality.