<p>Start out with your FLA college and then transfer to CIA or another culinary arts program. Many will accept your college credits cause you have to take some basic college courses(like Engl., Acct, French, etc) along with the culinary offerings.
A relative is a Master Pastry Chef and was an instructor for many years at CIA from where he graduated. The best recommendation he gives to people thinking of entering the profession is to start working in a restuarant, diner, bakery, etc. and get a real view of what the career demands.
Consequently many students enrolled in culinary arts programs are older than traditional age college students. Nothing beats exposure to the field to decide if it's really something you want to pursue.</p>