Helms College has earned a prominent position in the 2025 Niche.com rankings, being named one of the top culinary schools in the United States. Ranked #8 nationally, Helms College now stands as the premier culinary institution in Georgia and one of the most respected in the Southeast. It offers a highly immersive and cost-effective education for future culinary professionals, setting a new standard in the industry. This recognition underscores the quality of Helms’ culinary training, which outpaces industry giants, including the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

This milestone highlights Helms College’s unique approach to culinary arts education, where students gain hands-on experience through eight applied learning venues across (www.edgarshospitality.com) its campuses in Macon and Augusta. By blending rigorous academic instruction with real-world application, students develop critical skills in both classic culinary techniques and modern hospitality practices.

“At Helms College, we are driven by our mission to offer the most immersive and comprehensive culinary education in the country,” said James K. Stiff, President of Helms College. “Our curriculum is crafted to systematically take students from classroom to lab to relevant hospitality enterprise venue. Students obtain a resume-building application of knowledge across our eight applied learning venues. This blend of academics and hands-on practice not only equips students with the technical prowess required for today’s culinary landscape but also empowers them to quickly thrive in dynamic hospitality environments. We are deeply honored by this recognition, which affirms the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students.”

Helms College’s culinary arts program is distinguished by its affordability and exceptional learning experience. Proudly standing as one of the Southeast's top-ranked culinary schools, Helms College provides an outstanding, high-quality education at nearly half the tuition cost of comparable institutions. This affordability and its unique curriculum attract students seeking an unparalleled culinary education with pathways into immediate industry opportunities.

At Helms College, students experience hands-on training that transforms classroom theories into practical skills in some of the area's most dynamic dining and event locations. This includes Edgar's Bakehouse, where students create artisan baked goods for retail and commercial clients; Edgar's Grille, a casual full-service restaurant where they learn techniques for both kitchen and service areas; the Anderson and Snelling Conference Centers provide settings for practicing catering and event management; Edgar's Above Broad, featuring stunning views from Augusta’s leading rooftop venue; and the prestigious Pinnacle Club, known as the city’s top private dining club. Furthermore, students engage in horticulture courses integrated with the operations of Edgar’s Acres farm, which supplies fresh produce to Edgar’s Hospitality Group and Helms College.

Operated by Edgar's Hospitality Group, an initiative of Helms College, these venues immerse students in professional settings where they refine their food preparation, service, and management skills. This applied learning model ensures that Helms College graduates are exceptionally prepared for success in Georgia's thriving culinary and hospitality operations worldwide.