Info For:
California Accepted Students Info
Welcome to the CIA community!
Information for Students Starting in September, January, or April
Know that CIA California Enrollment Office is here to help guide you all the way from acceptance to your first day of classes.
Follow these steps to get started:
Step One
Let everyone know you’re CIA bound! Pay your deposit on the student portal.
Step Three
CIA Main Menu—your student portal—is your one-stop shop for important information, deadlines, and forms.
File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
CIA’s federal code is 007304. Every year, students are able to file the newest FAFSA (for the following year) beginning on or before December 1.
Which FAFSA should I file?
| Entry Date | 2025–26 FAFSA | 2026–27 FAFSA |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Yes | — |
| January 2026 | Yes | — |
| April 2026 | Yes | Yes |
Everything You’d Expect from a Campus Visit—Online
Visit our YouTube playlist for on-demand videos to learn more about CIA’s academics, campus life, financial aid, and more!
Tour a CIA California Campus Residence Hall
Check out what a typical California campus dorm room is equipped with before you pack to come to campus!
Guided Tour of Campus
Get a firsthand look at the CIA’s Napa Valley campus in St. Helena, CA.
Interactive Campus Map
Take a look at our kitchens and academic facilities.
Connect with Us
Here’s what happening at CIA California…
Quick Links for Students
Preparation
Know what to expect—these links will make your arrival to campus easy:
Support
Access important CIA information, fast! We’re here to help:
Quick Links for Parents
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.
FAQs—Got Questions?
Check our FAQs for California Accepted Students. Remember you can always reach out to CIA’s Enrollment Team with any questions at [email protected] or 1-800-CULINARY.
Next Steps/Deposit
Visiting/Living On Campus
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I have never been to campus, what can I do?
Check out our California and Texas visit pages to learn more about upcoming online and on-campus opportunities. -
I’m going to be a resident student at the California campus. What are the residence halls like?
Learn more about our CIA California residence halls and check out this video of current student, Robbie, as she walks you through her residence hall. -
What will be available to me as a current CIA student? What is there to do on campus?
On top of getting the world’s best culinary education, you will have access to a multitude of services, amenities, and resources! There are always activities and events for students to attend. Check them out:
California Campus
- Academic Advising
- Bookstore—Spice Islands® Marketplace
- Campus Safety
- Counseling and psychological services (CAPS)
- Health Services
- International Student Resources
- Learning Strategies/Disability Services
- Student Activities, Clubs, Organizations
- Student Financial Planning
- Veteran Resources
Texas Campus
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Can I ship my personal items to campus before I arrive?
Yes. Whether it’s something you ship from your own home, Amazon, or anywhere else—all you need is your room number. Check your CIA email for your room assignment. Our mail room has limited storage space, so we ask that you plan the arrival of your packages as close as possible to your move-in date. Ship your packages to:
The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone
C/O [Your Name]
2555 Main Street
St Helena, CA 94574Students can then pick up any shipments from the package room on the first floor.
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When will I move in? What can I expect on Move-In Day?
Contact the CIA Enrollment Team to find out when your move-in day is.
Orientation
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When is orientation?
Your orientation will take place starting the weekend after Move-In Day! -
How can I find a roommate and connect with my future classmates?
Check your email for additional opportunities to meet and chat with your future classmates. -
What will be included during on-campus orientation?
Orientation is an exciting series of events designed to help you get to know your classmates, learn your way around campus, and feel more at home at CIA. We’re busy planning and will share more information as soon as we can!
Academics
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I am excited to start classes! Where can I get a sense of what courses I will be taking at CIA?
Check out some cool featured courses. If you are looking to dive even deeper, feel free to explore the course catalog for curriculum details. -
How do semesters and schedules work at CIA?
CIA will register you for classes and create your first-semester schedule for you! No need to worry about trying to squeeze into classes or schedule your first semester all by yourself. Once you begin classes, you will have an academic advisor that will help you plan your future semesters.
Finances
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How can I pay for my CIA education?
Maximize your financial aid award package. Your enrollment manager and student financial planner will help you learn about your options and understand the process! Check your student portal and CIA email regularly for updates!
Here is more information for each campus.
There are lots of additional resources on your portal regarding:
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What other scholarship opportunities are there?
CIA provides numerous scholarship opportunities, including our Earn & Learn tuition offset program. You will need to complete a General Application at CIA $hef, our internal scholarship website only for CIA students! New scholarships are added every few weeks and you’ll be notified at your CIA email address when they match your profile.
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Who can I reach out to with questions?
We’re here to answer any questions you have about your balance or these options. Email us at [email protected] or call 845-905-4918.