Info FOr:
Military and Veterans
Turn your service into success at CIA!
Active Military and Veterans, Food is Your Future.
You’ve led with purpose. You’ve served with discipline. Now it’s time to channel that experience into a career that feeds communities, fuels innovation, and builds a lasting future. In food and hospitality, your skills and drive have a natural home—especially at the Culinary Institute of America, where you’ll sharpen your mastery, discipline, and teamwork in professional kitchens every day.
Join our strong, committed community of fellow veterans at CIA. We were founded in 1946 with a clear mission, to prepare World War II veterans for successful careers in food. Supporting those who have served isn’t just part of our history—it’s part of who we are.
Free Culinary School for Veterans with GI Bill® Benefits
Learn how you can use your Post 9-11 GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon benefits to cover up to 100% of your tuition—so you can focus on your future in food and hospitality, without worrying about costs.
Your Degree
No matter your career goals, CIA has a program to match your drive, discipline, and ambition. In our associate and bachelor’s degrees, you’ll gain essential skills that set you apart—in the kitchen, in business, and beyond.
Resources and Support for a Smooth Transition
As a veteran student, you have access to exclusive resources including on-campus housing support, flexible meal plans, veteran-focused clubs, career and employment assistance designed to support your success from day one.
Learn By Doing
A CIA education is more than just classrooms and textbooks—it’s hands-on, immersive, and rooted in real-world experience. Our students sharpen their skills in kitchens, bakeshops, labs, gardens, restaurants, and internships.
We’re a Military Friendly® School!
This designation signals that CIA is one of a select few colleges setting the standard for higher education institutions to provide the best opportunities for veterans and their spouses. Learn more.
We’re also proud to be listed yet again as a “Best for Vets” College by MilitaryTimes!
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
What Your Fellow Veterans Have to Say
CIA veteran students share their experiences as they prepare to make a difference in their new careers in this segment from Meals Ready to Eat, produced by Navy veteran August Dannehl.
Benefits and Opportunities
Bachelor’s Degree Completion
Already have 30+ credits? Apply them toward a CIA Bachelor’s in Culinary or Baking and Pastry Arts—and fast track to your career.
Turbo Option
Take your career success to the next level with CIA’s Turbo Option—earn your associate degree in just 15 months!
Industry’s Best Career Fair
Every year, CIA welcomes top industry employers to three industry-leading career fairs, resulting in over 4,000 interviews with companies eager to recruit our students.
Student Life
At CIA, you’ll find all the ingredients to craft a college experience that’s uniquely yours alongside classmates who share your passion for food.
Built-in, Paid Internship
Gain hands-on experience and grow your network with a résumé-building internship at one of 2,000+ CIA-approved sites.
Transfer Credit Options
Get ahead faster and for less! Transfer your qualifying credits to CIA and save time and money.
Connect with someone now
Chat with a Veteran 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.
CIA Campuses
Picture Yourself Here. Then Make It Happen.
At CIA, you’ll turn your discipline and talent into a future you’ll love through immersive, hands-on learning on every campus—surrounded by a community of people who share your passion for food.
Ready to see if CIA is right for you? Explore your options through open houses, campus tours, or online events. Or, if you’re ready, take the next step and apply. It takes just 20 minutes to complete our application!
Connect with Us
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Contact Us
Susan Lavender, CWP
Assistant Director—Admissions
Specializes in assisting veterans—New York campus
Gerardo Garant
Assistant Director—Admissions, Branch Campuses
Specializes in assisting veterans—California and Texas campuses