Should You Be a Cook or Chef? Titles, Training, and Kitchen Roles Explained
Learn the differences between a chef and cook, including responsibility and salaries, in our cook vs chef comparison.
Culinary School Blog
Welcome to the Culinary Institute of America blog. Find admissions tips, campus life, cooking videos, alumni news, and more.
Topic
Beyond the Classroom: Student Competitions at CIA
CIA Pizza Cook-Off Champion Matty Friedman recounts his journey from crafting the winning pizza to celebrating with the Hudson Valley Forest Floor team.
From Start to Chef: Culinary School Length and Cost Explained
How long is culinary school? How much does it cost to attend? Get these and other answers before taking the next step in your culinary career.
Get an Up-close look at CIA
Tour Campus or Attend an Online Event
Whether you’re looking to visit one of our campuses or would prefer the convenience of a virtual event, there’s no better way to learn more about CIA than with one of our admissions events.
How to Become a Personal Chef: Skills, Training, and Career Guide (Plus Salary Info)
Learn how to become a personal chef with our guide to the skills, responsibilities, and requirements of this culinary career.
The Benefits of Attending a CIA Open House
Read about the top five reasons to attend a CIA Open House.
Is a Career in Baking Right for You? Job Titles, Career Paths, and Salary Info
Discover baking jobs and pastry positions that are perfect for you in our guide to career opportunities in baking.
Alumni in the News: August 2025
CIA alumni are always cooking up something interesting. Here are just a few examples of CIA alumni in the news for August 2025.
The Ultimate Pastry Chef Career Guide: Steps, Skills, and What to Expect (with Salary Info)
Learn how to become a pastry chef with our guide to the education, skills, and experiences essential for any baking or pastry career.
Student Spotlight: Abdulrahman Yousef ’29
Capturing the Beauty of Food, CIA Student Starts a Photography Club Author Madeleine White ’29 is a Food Business Management major.
Alumni in the News: July 2025
CIA alumni are always cooking up something interesting. Here are just a few examples of CIA alumni in the news for July 2025.
A Recap of CIA’s Second Annual Mac and Cheese Cook-Off
Read about CIA’s second Mac and Cheese Cook-Off, as it was hosted outside of the Student Commons, was sponsored by Barilla and Saputo.
CIA Active Minds and Teapot Club Bring Pups to Campus!
Read more about how CIA Active Minds and Teapot Clubs bring pups to CIA campus.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Learn more about CIA events, scholarships, career options, and campus life.