Welcome to the Culinary Institute of America
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    Apply Today to CIA

  • Start Now—Here’s How to Apply to Culinary Institute of America

    Take hold of your future. If food is your passion, get the best hands-on education here at the CIA—whether your aspiration is to be a chef, entrepreneur, hospitality leader, or food innovator.

    Get started by submitting your application. Choose from two online options:

    CIA Online App Common App

    Next, to complete your application file, we just need three additional items:


    1. Request official transcripts.

    2. Submit an essay.

    3. Ask for a recommendation.

    That’s it! You’re on your way to enrolling at the CIA. If you’ve already submitted your application, learn more about the essay and supporting materials.

    Master’s and ACAP Candidates

    Learn more about the application process for the CIA’s post-baccalaureate programs.

    How to apply for master’s programs >

    How to apply for ACAP >

    Online Bachelor’s Program

    CIA Alumni, learn how to apply for our online bachelor’s program.

    How to apply for online bachelor's >

  • Fall 2023 Application Priority Deadline is June 15, 2023!

    Apply now for:

    • Expedited financial aid packaging.
    • Guaranteed freshman housing at our New York and California campuses, if you meet CIA’s tuition payment deadline.
    • Access to $hef—a scholarship site exclusively for CIA students! More than $4 million was awarded last year.
    • One-on-one support from your personal CIA enrollment manager.
    Apply Now

  • CIA Admissions Dates and Deadlines

    Apply Anytime!

    • Apply for admission up to 18 months in advance.
    • Applications accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis.

    Upcoming Entry Dates:

    • September 5, 2023
    • January 8, 2024
    • April 30, 2024

    Apply Now

    Enrollment Schedule

    Programs

    Sep.

    Jan.

    Apr.
    Associate Degree: Culinary Arts—NY, CA, and TX X X X
    Associate Degree: Baking and Pastry Arts—NY and CA X X X
    Associate Degree: Baking and Pastry Arts—TX X X  
    Bachelor’s Degrees: Applied Food Studies, Culinary Science, and Food Business Mgt. X X X
    Bachelor’s Degree: Hospitality Management X    
    CIA Associate Grads Only: Food Business Leadership X    
    Degree Completion: Baking and Pastry Arts or Culinary Arts   X X
    All Master’s Degrees X    
    Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program X    

  • Schedule a Visit to Campus

    Scheduling a visit to one of our world-class campuses is easy and convenient. Just choose your campus, and you will see our schedule of admissions tours and events.

    Learn More

  • Alumni Referral Scholarship

    If your recommendation letter is from a CIA alumnus, you could qualify for a $1,000 Alumni Referral Scholarship.

    More CIA Scholarships
  • Did You Know?


    CIA is the only school with nine student-run, award-winning public restaurants in top U.S. foodie destinations.
    Learn More