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 the CIA. We’re proud to have been founded in 1946 for the express purpose of preparing World War II veterans for food careers.
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 the 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 3 amazing campuses to learn more about our center of the food universe.
The CIA admits students three times a year, so you can start whenever the time is right for you.
Apply Now
We wish you were here—but until you are, check out our virtual tours and online events!
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.
Michael Brown ’04 Assistant Director—AdmissionsMichael.Brown@culinary.edu845-451-1562Specializes in assisting veterans