Do i go to college first to get a degree then to culinary school or do i just go straight to culinary?

If a pastry you want to be, then train as a pastry chef. Wasting time getting a degree just to have a degree accomplishes nothing but running up student loan debt. Get the training, get out there and do something wonderful. Good luck.

Go Right Into Culinary Best Place to be.

There are many government programs now to finance schooling, whether it be vocational or academic. Investigate the ones you don't have to pay back. My advise would be to obtain a degree or experience in business management first (finance, hiring, accounting, purchasing, inventory management, etc.) since it is your wish to own your own business. Without this background, you won't be prepared to handle the complexities of running a patisserie. Then go to culinary school, or take those courses at the same time. Find all the grants you can so you won't be saddled with debt. Beyond all that, follow your passion and don't be deterred by naysayers. Others will always try to tell you that you can't do it, only because they are afraid to take a similar risk. It is your dream. Have the strength, get the tools you need, and never say never. My best wishes to you!

Stats: For every chef job opening there are 40 graduates. Something has been happening with this degree recently Reports state that perhaps TV shows are glamorizing this And.. we are in a recession - have you noticed people are spending less? Why have schools recently been flooded by students. Careful what you take - make sure you'll have a job so you can pay back the 80K worth of student loans, or get your money's worth