Welcome to the Culinary Institute of America
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    Veterans: Right at Home at the CIA

  • Welcome Military Veterans!

    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.

    Baking and Pastry students with a cake.

    The CIA Degree of Your Choice

    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.


    Culinary Institute of America student in the kitchen.

    CIA’s Fast Turbo Option

    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.


    Military veterans in culinary school uniforms.

    Free Culinary School for Veterans with GI Bill Benefits

    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.


    Veteran culinary school student at the Culinary Institute of America.

    Resources and Support for a Smooth Transition

    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.


    Handshake between people wearing veteran & culinary school uniforms.

    Fit Easily in to Our Family

    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.

     

  • Ready to Apply for Admission?

    The CIA admits students three times a year, so you can start whenever the time is right for you.

    Apply Now


    Explore Campus

    We wish you were here—but until you are, check out our virtual tours and online events!

  • 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.

     

  • Logo for Military Friendly® Schools designation, awarded to The Culinary Institute of America.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 >


  • Contact Us

    Michael Brown ’04, Assistant Director—AdmissionsMichael Brown ’04
    Assistant Director—Admissions
    Michael.Brown@culinary.edu
    845-451-1562

    Specializes in assisting veterans

    Make an Appointment
    Admissions Events Calendar
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  • Rodney Harvey, CIA Associate Degree in Culinary Arts student and veteran.

    Veteran Spotlight

    Rodney Harvey
    U.S. Army
    "I chose the CIA was because I am from a family of veterans and the CIA was founded specifically to provide culinary training to returning WWII veterans...I love it here. If you are driven, competitive, passionate, and a team player, then the CIA is the place for you."
    Read More  
    Aaron Tarpley, CIA NY Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Arts Management student and veteran.

    Veteran Spotlight

    Aaron Tarpley
    U.S. Army
    “The CIA is the world’s premier culinary college, so it was the only choice for me.”
    Read More  
  • CIA students get résumé-building experience during their internship—and have more than 2,000 to choose from!