Undergraduate Requirements & Deadlines
How to Apply to CIA
Admissions counselors are available to help you with your application. Accepted students are automatically considered for CIA scholarships.
Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees
Start Your CIA Application
We’re so excited you’re here. At CIA, ambitious students like you turn their passion into a future with purpose every day. This is where your food journey begins—a world of opportunities awaits.
Start your CIA application today and take your first step toward joining our one-of-a-kind community.
Upcoming Start Dates
September 2026: Apply Now
January 2027: Apply Now
April 2027: Apply Now
September 2027: Application Opens August 1
Summer Action:
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
Decision Notification: September 30, 2026
Two Easy Ways to Apply
Choose the application process that you’re most comfortable with—our CIA Application or Common App. Either selection is quick and easy and only takes about 20 minutes to complete. Apply now to:
- Receive a fast, non-binding admission decision within one week.
- Be automatically reviewed for scholarships—no extra forms, no stress.
You’re Almost There—Just Two Required Support Documents
Once you submit your application, there’s just a few things left to send so that we may complete your application file:
1. Send Your Official Transcripts.
You need a high school diploma or GED to enroll at CIA.
Download our Transcript Request Form (PDF) and ask your high school* and/or any colleges you’ve attended to send your official transcripts to CIA.
Your school can submit transcripts electronically through Parchment Exchange, by email at [email protected], or mail official transcripts directly to CIA Admissions. If you hold an equivalency diploma, the official test scores must be submitted.
*High school transcripts should include coursework through 11th grade and indicate what courses you’ll take in 12th grade or show 12th grade marks. If you matriculated in a college-level degree program and have completed 24 or more credits—including math and English—you are not required to submit a high school transcript.
2. Tackle Your Essay (You’ve Got This!)
Your essay should be at least 200 words and help us get to know you better. Tell us about your passion for the food and hospitality industry, the experiences you’ve had so far, and how those experiences have prepared you for success at CIA.
Submit via Common App or CIA’s online application. You can also email [email protected] or submit your essay using our online form.
Need some inspiration? Check out this quick video with five expert tips for writing an essay that stands out.
View additional admission requirements for international students and homeschooled students. CIA requires that all students meet certain functions and technical standards.
Additional Support Documents:
You may choose to include additional materials with your application to support your admission review. In certain circumstances, Admissions may request additional documents.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are not required, and your application will receive full consideration without one. However, domestic and international students may qualify for a one-time, $1,000 CIA Alumni Referral Scholarship by submitting a letter from a CIA graduate encouraging them to enroll. Include the letter with your application to be considered.
In certain cases, Admissions may request a letter of recommendation to strengthen your application. If requested, it should be from an employer, teacher, or professional colleague and tell us why you would be successful at CIA. If you are an adult learner with significant work experience, you may submit a résumé instead of a letter of recommendation, if requested.
SAT/ACT Scores (Test Optional)
CIA is test optional. You may submit SAT or ACT scores as part of your admission review or choose not to include them. Applications without test scores will receive full consideration.
Still have questions?
The CIA Admissions team is here for you as you take this exciting next step. Whether you’re curious about the college or need help with your application, we’ve got your back—just reach out anytime!
Build Your CIA Connection
Connect with Your Admission Counselor
Your counselor is here to answer questions and guide you through every step of the application process.
Chat with a Current CIA Student
Get expert and genuine advice from students already living and learning at CIA.
Visit CIA
There’s no better way to get a taste of CIA than to visit one of our campuses—it’s the best way to learn more about our programs, faculty and facilities. If you can’t join us live, consider a virtual admissions event.
File Your FAFSA
File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to make sure you’re considered for all available scholarships and grants. CIA’s federal code is 007304.
CIA Admissions Deadlines
*All CIA admissions decisions are non-binding.
September 2026, January 2027, and April 2027—Apply Anytime!
- Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Receive a decision notification within one week after your application is complete.
September 2027—Application Opens August 1
- Summer Action Decision:
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
Decision Notification: September 30, 2026 - Early Action I Decision:
Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
Decision Notification: November 30, 2026 - Early Action II Decision:
Application Deadline: December 31, 2026
Decision Notification: January 1, 2027 - Regular Decision:
Application Deadline: February 15, 2027
Decision Notification: March 1, 2027
How to Apply for the Online Bachelor’s Program (CIA Alumni Only)
Step 1: Submit the application form
(be sure to select “online” for your campus)
Step 2: Submit an essay
Submit an essay of at least 300 words that describes your purpose for undertaking this program, professional plans and career goals, and how the program is positioned to help you achieve your goals.
Step 3: Provide a copy of your résumé or CV
That’s it! You’re on your way to enrolling at CIA. Once our admissions staff has reviewed your application and supporting materials, we’ll contact you if anything else is needed.
Get an Up-close look at CIA
Tour Campus or Attend an Online Event
Whether you’re looking to visit one of our campuses or would prefer the convenience of a virtual event, there’s no better way to learn more about CIA than with one of our admissions events.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Food Is Your Purpose
If you’re looking to advance your career in food, there is no better investment than a CIA education. From hands-on opportunities and expert faculty instruction to unique concentrations and exclusive networking events, our education and experiences are unparalleled. We are also committed to making your CIA education as affordable as possible. Our costs are comparable to similar colleges, with more than 90% of our students receiving some form of financial aid.
Don’t let applying for financial assistance keep you from going to the world’s premier culinary college. We will work with you, regardless of your individual circumstances, to help make attending CIA an affordable investment in your future.
Graduate and Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program Candidates
Ready to take your career to the next level? If you already hold a bachelor’s degree and are looking to advance your career within the food, beverage, and hospitality industries, CIA’s School of Graduate Studies has a range of available opportunities. Or choose CIA’s Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program (ACAP), which is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree.