Info FOr:
High School Students
Welcome to your new college!
Love Food? Start Here.
See Where CIA Can Lead You
From chef to entrepreneur to food scientist, there are more careers in food than you might imagine—and many of them begin at CIA. With our food-focused degree programs, you’ll build real skills, explore global cuisines, and discover where your passion for food can take you.
Want to learn more about CIA? Share a little about yourself—it only takes a minute. We’ll send you information about our academic programs, scholarships, student life, and fun campus events. We can’t wait to tell you more. You’ll love it here!
Select Your Year. See What’s Next.
I’m a Senior
You’ve found your dream school! Find out why CIA is the perfect college for you.
I’m a Junior
There are SO many career possibilities in food and hospitality. See where a CIA degree can take you!
I’m a Sophomore or Younger
You love, love, love food. We do too! Learn how you can make food your career and your life.
Experience CIA this Summer
Join Us at Our New York Campus for CIA’s Preview Day
Get ready to jumpstart your future! Exclusively for 2027 seniors and 2028 juniors, you’ll get a taste of life at CIA during this special event that serves up a full menu of hands-on learning, sizzling academic programs, and expert admissions tips. It’s your chance to dig in and see what’s waiting for you #OnlyAtCIA.
Application Process
Your Time Is Now
Fall 2026 Is Filling Fast
You know CIA is the best place to begin your future in food. Now it’s time to make it official. Join our incoming Fall 2026 class before it’s too late.
Apply now and you can:
- Get a fast, non-binding decision within one week
- Be automatically considered for CIA scholarships
Take the next step—apply today.
Reasons to be #OnlyAtCIA
Real-World Experience
Spend a full semester getting hands-on experience in our nine award-winning public service restaurants.
More Specialized, Hands-on Classes
Two times the foundational skills and deeper dives into specializations than most colleges.
Built-in, Paid Internship
World-class paid internships at one of 2,000+ CIA-approved organizations.
Scholarships
CIA offers generous scholarships—and awarded over $45 million last year alone.
College Life with a Culinary Twist
Join a diverse, close-knit community where everyone speaks your language—food!
Custom-Fit Education
Choose from programs, electives, and travel experiences that fit your unique interests and goals.
Industry’s Best Career Fair
Three times a year, every year, 150+ of the best food, beverage and hospitality companies visit CIA looking to hire. In fact, CIA students average three job offers at graduation.
Unrivaled Network
The food world’s most powerful alumni network—50k+ strong—that not only hire CIA grads, but also help make the connections to advance careers.
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.
CIA Campuses
Join a community, where everyone speaks your language—food.
Explore everything CIA has to offer beyond the classroom! Whether you’re into cook-off competitions, open mic nights, student clubs, athletics, or heading on an off-campus adventure, you’re sure to find endless opportunities for food, friends, and fun. And did we mention every dorm comes with a full-sized kitchen, perfect for trying out new recipes!
Connect with Us