Welcome to the Culinary Institute of America
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    California Accepted Students Info

  • Information for Students Starting in September, January, or April


    Welcome to the CIA family!


  • Follow these steps to get started:

    Step 1

    Deposit Now

    Let everyone know you’re CIA bound! Pay your deposit on the student portal.

    Step 2

    File Your FAFSA

    Filed your FAFSA yet? Don’t delay, it’s easy. Don’t know which FAFSA to file? Read below.

    Step 3

    Explore the Portal

    CIA Main Menu—your student portal—is your one-stop shop for important information, deadlines, and forms.

  • Everything You’d Expect from a Campus Visit—Online!

     

    Stay Updated for Your Start Date

    Watch our video to learn about next steps, deposit dates, ordering uniforms, and the portal.

     

    Guided Tour of Campus

    Get a firsthand look at the CIA’s Napa Valley campus in St. Helena, CA.

     

    Student Q&A

    Watch as current students share their student life experiences on CIA’s California campus.

    Visit our YouTube playlist for on-demand videos to learn more about CIA’s academics, campus life, financial aid, and more!

  • File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).


    The CIA federal code is 007304. Every year, students are able to file the newest FAFSA (for the following year) beginning in October.

    Which FAFSA Should I File?

    Entry Date FAFSA Year
    2022–23 2023–24*
    September 2022 Yes —
    January 2023 Yes —
    April 2023 Yes Yes

    * Please note: The 2023–24 FAFSA will be available in October 2022. Students will need to file a FAFSA each year while in attendance.

  • CIA Chefs Present: Lessons From Home

     

    Knife Safety and Care

    Safety first! Chef Tobias checks in to show you how properly handle and sharpen your knives.

     

    Knife Types

    Learn the best knife for the job with Chef DelleRose and get a peek at his personal collection.

     

    Knife Cuts

    Get cutting with Chef Garniero. He walks you through some basic cuts you’ll learn in Culinary Fundamentals.

    Keep Watching!

    Check out additional instructional videos from your future CIA chefs.