I've often thought about going to culinary school, but I know that its not for me. My dad has work in the food industry his whole life and eventually work his way up to being the award winning executive chef at a major university. He never went to culinary school, nor did he ever graduate from college (although he did have some college experience). All his cooking experience is real life experience.

When I was 16, I helped him out one summer when there was a major week long conference at the university. It was a good experience, but I learned after the first day that the food industry is not for me. Hungry people are cranky people, and dealing with the cranky people took the fun out of it. I'd much rather just cook for myself, my family, and close friends, where I can feel like my talents and knowledge in that area are appreciated.

So that said, you might want to try getting a job at a restaurant or in catering at your college before digging yourself into debt for education in something you find out you don't like doing.