NECI will provide you with a truly unique educational experience, and here are some of the major reasons why:

1. LEARN IT BY LIVING IT
No other culinary arts school owns its own for profit restaurants. The education you receive in our working restaurants prepares you for career success when you graduate and enter this demanding profession. NECI graduates are the most sought after in the industry.

2. ONE IN TEN
Our student to teacher ratio is 10:1. That translates to more individual attention and more time to create your own unique culinary style. No large lectures, only personalized attention.

3. WHAT'S IN A NAME?
You'll never feel like a number at NECI. You and your instructors will work closely together every day, forming relationships that can last a lifetime. Individualized attention and a genuine interest in your success is a cornerstone of a NECI education.

4. WHERE CREDIT IS DUE
Take a look at the credit hours you can earn in a NECI degree program and it's easy to see why we have established such a strong reputation in the industry. The combination of academic and hands-on learning prepares you to compete successfully at the highest levels in culinary arts.

5. BREATHING ROOM
When the school day is over at NECI, you'll want some time to yourself. That's why every student at NECI is provided with a PRIVATE ROOM so you can unwind and relax without distraction. All housing includes communal kitchens and living rooms on both our Montpelier and Essex campuses.

6. LOCAL MOTION
The freshest ingredients are the ones that have the shortest distance to travel from the farm to the table. We believe in the value of working closely with local farmers, producers and companies. As a NECI student, you will see first-hand where the food you prepare comes from and learn about its origins.

7. PAST PERFECT
Many students come to NECI with past industry experience. Our Advanced Placement makes it possible for you to earn credit by allowing you to enter NECI as a second year student. In some cases, it means you can earn your degree in a year and for half the cost!

8. THE HILLS ARE ALIVE
Vermont is beautiful. Rolling hills, clear rivers and lakes, quaint New England villages, thriving college towns and cultural centers are only minutes from our campuses. Ski, snowboard, hike, bike, kayak, visit a farmer's market or attend one of many concerts and festivals held throughout the year. Every season in Vermont brings with it unique experiences and activities.

9. FRIENDS FOR LIFE
NECI provides every graduate with lifetime career services assistance. Whether you're looking for a job, trying to fill an opening in your own restaurant, or want to discuss new culinary goals, our career services staff is here to help you.

10. LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
Our restaurants' kitchens are our classrooms. Every day presents new learning situations that will put your education to the test. When you graduate, you will be prepared for the rigors of this demanding industry and the incredible opportunities that await you.

11. A HOUSE UNITED
A well rounded education from NECI lets you feel at home no matter which part of the "house" you find yourself. To become the best in the business, today's professionals need to not only understand how a professional kitchen operates, they must also be familiar with front-of-house operations, catering, purchasing, management, entrepreneurship, human resources and much more.

12. AROUND THE WORLD
Both our culinary arts and baking and pastry programs include two, 700-hour paid internships. We have relationships that span the globe and we work closely with you to identify the right internship site for your skills and interests.

13. A BAKER'S DOZEN
We thought of one more difference – and that is you. Students come to NECI because they are already attuned to what makes us different. That means you'll be learning alongside the best and most creative people. And one day you will be working in the industry – making a difference.