“Eventually I want to own a restaurant. Working both sides of a restaurant will give me the hands-on experience and education I will need to pursue my dreams.”
Apply Today
Food is Your Life
Turn Your Passion Into Your Purpose at CIA
The CIA Experience
Food is your opportunity.
At the Culinary Institute of America, food is woven into everything we do and teach—and for over 75 years, we’ve been doing it best. Here, food is discipline and mastery. It’s also science, business, hospitality, and global change. The education you’ll receive at CIA can open any door and prepare you to make a difference in the world. Food is what brings you here—and with the skills and experience you’ll gain at CIA, food can take you anywhere.
Applying to CIA:
Are you ready to take the first step toward an amazing future in food? There’s no better time to make your move!
Apply Early Action I by November 14 and you’ll get your admission decision by December 1—so college stress doesn’t get in the way of your senior year fun.
As a preferred applicant, you’ll get these exclusive perks:
- Skip the $50 application fee—just use the code SENIOR26 on Common App or CIA’s website.
- Receive a fast-track, non-binding admission decision—know your future sooner!
- Be automatically reviewed for scholarships—no extra forms, no stress.
Get started by submitting your application—it only takes 20 minutes to do. Don’t wait—start your journey today!
What’s next? Just three quick steps to complete your application file:
- Request official transcripts.
- Tackle that essay—you’ve got this!
- Get a letter of recommendation.
That’s it! You’re officially on your way to becoming part of our CIA community.
Fall 2026—Additional Admissions Deadlines:
Early Action I: App Deadline—November 14, 2025; Decision—December 1, 2025
Early Action II: App Deadline—December 31, 2025; Decision—January 15, 2026
Regular Decision: App Deadline—February 16, 2026; Decision—March 1, 2026
Associate Degree Programs
Our associate degree programs include the CIA Core Advantage and are delivered in less than two years.
- Culinary Arts
- Baking and Pastry Arts
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Our bachelor’s degree programs build on the CIA Core Advantage with leadership, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial development—plus allow you to customize your education with food-centric electives and concentrations.
- Food Business Management
- Hospitality Management
- Applied Food Studies
- Culinary Science
Career Paths
Food is your journey.
At CIA, you’ll discover the vast array of career possibilities within the world of food and hospitality. From here, you can launch a career in research and development, food education, food media, culinary science, or event management. If you’re not sure about your path, don’t worry. With the foundation of skills, knowledge, and professionalism you’ll gain here, you’ll be prepared for anything you choose to do—that’s what makes a CIA education so valuable and versatile.
“A degree from CIA does not have to limit you to just a kitchen; the world is our doorstep to limitless opportunities.”
—Kyle Wagner, Culinary Arts
$45M
In Scholarships
Gain access to generous CIA grants and scholarships—with over $45 million awarded last year alone—as well as federal and state financial aid.
2,000+
Paid Internships
Choose from thousands of paid internship opportunities, where you’ll gain hands-on industry experience with world class businesses.
150+
Interviews
Connect with top employers at our industry-focused, on-campus career fairs where recruiters come looking to hire—three times a year, every year.
50,000+
Alumni Network
Join the food world’s most powerful alumni network, of industry leaders. They hire CIA grads and provide connections that advance careers.
Small Class Sizes
Our 18:1 student/teacher ratio means you’ll receive more personalized attention from faculty in every class.
Traditional Academics with a Twist
Experience an industry-driven curriculum paired with traditional academic courses that explore topics through the lens of food.
Personal Support
Gain support from a team of faculty and staff members who are here to help you, from applying and enrolling to landing your dream job.
Student Life
Food is your community.
Each CIA campus has its own distinct flavor and feel. Yet no matter which campus you choose to call “home,” you’ll find your place among a diverse community of students and faculty who share you passion for food.
At our New York campus, you’ll immerse yourself in 170-acres of everything an aspiring food professional could dream of—cutting-edge kitchens, student clubs, athletic teams, and special events that bring food, friends, and fun together.
Our California and Texas campuses offer close-knit communities rooted in the rich history of the Napa Valley and the Latin American influences of San Antonio.
The best way to get a real taste of CIA? Attend an upcoming campus event and see for yourself!
Scholarships and aid
Food is your purpose.
Scholarships and financial aid are important factors when you’re choosing a college. We recognize that—and we’ve got your back. If you’re committed to making the best investment for your future at CIA, we’re committed to helping you get here.
More than 90% of CIA students receive scholarships and financial aid* packages that are unique to their individual needs. Our financial aid experts partner with you at every step of the process to ensure you get the package that best fits your needs.
Hear how generous CIA scholarships helped CIA students achieve their dreams with more than $45 million awarded last year alone.
*Financial aid is available to those that qualify.
Apply today to be automatically be considered for scholarships and financial aid!*
*Financial aid is available to those that qualify.