Admissions and Financial Aid | Culinary Institute of America

CIA Admissions
Your Food Career Starts Here
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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:

Our CIA online application

The Common Application

Also remember that you’re always welcome to visit our campuses at any time. Let’s Get Started

Fall in Love with the CIA
Enroll this October and discover how far a CIA education can take you. Apply now! Learn more >
CIA Reception in Your Hometown!
Learn more about us and meet other prospective CIA students from your area. Sign up now >
Coming to a City Near You!
Sign up for a one-on-one, in-person chat with a CIA admissions counselor. Get the details >

Contact Us
Admissions Office
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538-1499
Phone: 1-800-CULINARY
Alt. Phone: 845-452-9430
Fax: 845-451-1068
admissions@culinary.edu
Admissions Events Calendar
Contact an Admissions Counselor

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
Learn about the CIA’s generous transfer credit review policies and our accelerated programs.

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

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
Congrats, you’ve been accepted to the CIA! Here’s what you should do next.

Alumni Spotlight

Brandon Walker

Chef/Owner, Essie’s Restaurant
Brandon Walker came to the CIA on the advice of a high school teacher. Once enrolled, he took advantage of everything the CIA had to offer...
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Alumni Spotlight

Christina Olivarez '05

Executive Chef
Occasionally, and fortuitously, a passion in life is revealed in one’s formative years. For Christina Olivarez ’05, executive chef at Diego in the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV, hers was awakened as a young girl watching Saturday morning television. While her peers were tuning into The Smurfs, Christina was spending time with Julia Child, Jacques Pépin, Jeff Smith, and Graham Kerr. “One of my favorite shows was Cooking Secrets of the CIA,” says Christina. “I was amazed that you could actually go to school to cook!”
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An exclusive network of more than 50,000 alumni is ready to support your food business career.

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