A sense of purpose. Service. Making a difference. You’ve experienced them all in your military career, so it’s only natural to seek them in your next one. A career in food is a great fit for your skills and drive, and so is the Culinary Institute of America, where you’ll practice mastery, discipline, and teamwork in our professional kitchens every day.
Join our strong and committed community of veteran students at CIA. We’re proud to have been founded in 1946 for the express purpose of preparing World War II veterans for food careers.
Get to know why CIA is the place to be for veterans pursuing a career in food.
Use your hard-earned GI Bill® benefits to earn an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from the world-famous CIA. Why not choose the best? An education from CIA is the best recipe for your success moving into your next chapter.
Your military food service experience can transfer quickly into college credit. Get your CIA degree in culinary arts or baking and pastry arts in as little as 15 months! If you have full-time, hands-on work experience in professional kitchens this quick option is just for you.
That’s right—your Yellow Ribbon and Post 9-11 benefits may pay up to 100% of your CIA tuition. Learn more about your benefits due, transferring benefits, and housing allowances.
Learn about resources available only to veteran students. Location, meal plans, clubs, housing, employment, and other types of support…we can’t name them all. Our hub of information to answer all your questions on how to make your degree a reality.
You’re already familiar with discipline and structure—and fun, too! Check out one of our three amazing campuses to learn more about our center of the food universe.
CIA admits students three times a year, so you can start whenever the time is right for you.
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There is no better way to learn about CIA than by visiting one of our campuses. Check out our full list of admissions events, including online open houses and campus tours. And after a few hours, you’ll know this is the college for you.
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 at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
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!
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.
Susan Lavender, CWP Assistant Director—AdmissionsSusan.Lavender@culinary.edu 845-451-1557 Specializes in assisting veterans—New York campus
Tyler Gelrud Associate Director—AdmissionsTyler.Gelrud@culinary.edu707-967-2338 Specializes in assisting veterans—California campus
Gerardo Garant Admissions Counselor Gerardo.Garant@culinary.edu 210-554-6453 Specializes in assisting veterans—Texas campus