Welcome to the Culinary Institute of America
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    CIA Admissions

    Your Food Career Starts Here

    Start This Fall

  • Feed Your Passion for the Culinary Arts

    The CIA is ready to help launch your career in the food business. Feel right at home among a community of friends, students, teachers, and alumni, all of whom share one thing in common—a passion for food.

    In addition to locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore, we offer several degree and certification programs to best match your career goals. Our expert admissions team is also ready to answer your questions about applying to the CIA, financial assistance, classes and culinary facilities, student life, and professional development opportunities.

    We offer two easy ways to apply:

    Also remember that you’re always welcome to visit our campuses at any time. Plan Your Visit

  • ACAP - add culinary skills to your toolkit
    CIA Turbo Option
    Come visit the CIA at one of it's 3 campuses in New York, California, and Texas
  • High School Students

    High School Students, Parents, and Educators

    If you’re in high school, the parent of a high school student, or a secondary school teacher, discover how the CIA best prepares young learners for careers in the food industry.
    Transfer Students

    Transfer Students

    Learn about the CIA’s generous transfer credit review policies and our accelerated programs.
    College Grads / Adult Students

    College Grads / Adult Learners

    Even if you already have a college degree, the CIA offers many more ways to expand your culinary knowledge and best position yourself for future career growth in the food industry.
    International Students

    International Students

    Read about international admission policies, student visas, and other information that will help you join the CIA’s diverse campus community.
    Veterans Students

    Veterans

    The CIA is committed to ensuring the brave servicemen and servicewomen of the U.S. armed forces receive the special attention they deserve.
    Accepted Students

    Accepted Students

    Congrats, you’ve been accepted to the CIA! Here’s what you should do next.
  • Steve Ells, CIA culinary arts alumni, is founder of Chipotle Mexican Grill.

    Alumni Spotlight

    Steve Ells '90
    Founder and Executive Chairman of Chipotle Mexican Grill and Pizzeria Locale
    "My time at The Culinary Institute of America provided a great foundation and taught me many lessons that are still valuable today."
    Read More  
    Wilo Benet, CIA culinary arts alumni, judge for Top Chef & chef/owner of Pikayo in Puerto Rico.

    Alumni Spotlight

    Wilo Benet '85
    Chef Owner
    After graduating from the CIA, Wilo worked at such New York City destination restaurants as Maurice at the Parker Meridien, Le Bernardin, and the Water Club. But when an opportunity arose to work side-by-side with his future wife at the Governor’s Mansion in his native Puerto Rico, he took it.
    Read More  
  • An exclusive network of more than 50,000 alumni is ready to support your food business career.
    Learn More

  • Connect with us!   Just try not to drool on your screen...