CIA Admissions

At CIA, you’ll discover that food can create connections, build communities, and make an impact—whether it’s in your backyard or on a global scale.

Collage: CIA students in a vineyard, a kitchen, plating salad. Contact CIA Admissions to join them.
CIA Video still: The Best Real World Experience, Culinary Institute of America.

Food Is Your Future.

Do you have an interest in food but aren’t sure what type of career might be the right fit? Do you have dreams of becoming a top chef or restaurant owner? Regardless of your experience and career aspirations, you have the opportunity to explore a future in food and discover a world of possibilities at CIA.

While you’re here, you’ll learn from faculty members who are experts in their field and experience a hands-on, immersive culinary education that you can’t find anywhere else. Discover a community of people who are driven by curiosity and creativity, and you’ll soon understand why world-renowned food, beverage, and hospitality companies look to CIA for interns and graduates—the caliber of a CIA education is unmatched.

CIA student at Accepted Student Day holding her hands in front of her face to make a frame.

Food Is Your Community.

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but they all share an interest in food. We hope your path leads to CIA, where you’ll join others in gaining the knowledge, experience, and skills needed for a successful career.

A group of high school students at an admissions event at the Culinary Institute of America
Five CIA adult and transfer students stand together in a kitchen.
A military veteran CIA culinary school student wearing a chef's uniform with the American flag.
Group of 6 smiling international Culinary Institute of America students wearing matching t-shirts.
Three admitted culinary school students in a Culinary Institute of America kitchen.
Three CIA master's students sitting together indoors around a laptop and a coffee cup.

How to Apply

Whether you’re interested in an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, we have unique, specialized programs that are designed to elevate your skills and provide you with the hands-on experience you need to secure your ideal job in the food world. What are you waiting for? Get started today!

The Value of a CIA Education

If you’re looking to advance your career in food, there is no better investment than a CIA education. From hands-on opportunities and expert faculty instruction to unique concentrations and exclusive networking events, our education and experiences are unparalleled. We are also committed to making your CIA education as affordable as possible. Our costs are comparable to similar colleges, with more than 90% of our students receiving some form of financial aid.

Don’t let applying for financial assistance keep you from going to the world’s premier culinary college. We will work with you, regardless of your individual circumstances, to help make attending CIA an affordable investment in your future.

Roth Hall, at the Culinary Institute of America campus in Hyde Park, New York.

Chat with a Student

Are you curious about what it’s really like to attend CIA? We’ve got you covered. Our students are ready to answer the questions you haven’t asked anyone else, share their own personal experiences, and give you genuine advice—because they’ve gone through it, too.

Connect with Us

Here’s what happening at CIA…

The Culinary Institute of America