Welcome to the Culinary Institute of America
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    Transfer Students: Welcome to Your New College!

  • Invest In Your Future

    More than 90% of CIA students receive scholarships and financial aid. If you're committed to making the best investment for your future at CIA, we're committed to helping you get here.

    Apply Now For April 2023
    Invest In Your Future. More than 90% of CIA students receive scholarships and financial aid. Apply Now For January 2023 >

  • Continue Your College Journey at the CIA

    Transfer to the CIA and use your previous college experiences to pursue an exciting career in the food and hospitality industry. You could apply relevant earned credits, life achievements, and select exam results toward your degree. Use the CIA’s online database to find out if your credits will transfer. Our admissions staff is ready to ensure your smooth transition to the CIA.

    Culinary Institute of America transfer student with a scholarship.

    Qualify for Financial Aid and Scholarships

    The CIA offers a variety of student scholarships—we awarded more than $36 million in 2020–2021 alone! All transfer students are eligible for the same financial aid and scholarship opportunities as CIA freshman entering directly from high school.


    Culinary Institute of America transfer student in the kitchen.

    Learn About Transferring Credits

    Use your college credits to pursue an exciting career in the food and hospitality industry. You could reduce your time at the CIA by a semester when transferring in a minimum of 12 credits that meet degree requirements. Completing your degree faster and getting out into the industry ASAP!



    Culinary Institute of America transfer student in the bachelor’s degree completion program.

    Already Have Significant Credits?

    Apply credits you’ve already earned to the CIA Bachelor’s Degree Completion Program in culinary arts or baking and pastry arts. This special degree program is just for students who have already earned 30+ credits. Get the food career you’ve always dreamed of.


    Culinary Institute of America transfer students at the Hyde Park campus.

    Already Have Professional Experience?

    Earn your CIA Associate Degree in as little as 15 months with CIA’s Turbo Option. If you have full-time, hands-on work experience in a professional kitchen that features progressive levels of responsibility, this program is for you. Focus your new CIA degree in culinary arts or baking and pastry arts and advance your career forward.



    Transfer students - apply now to the CIA

    Fast Track Your Application

    When you apply online, choose the “fast track” option. This automatically activates a personalized assessment of your transfer credits—helping you save money!


    Culinary Institute of America transfer students making friends.

    Fit Right In

    Want to attend unique food events, research recipes, talk foodshows, participate in competitions, or just hang out? Join our passionate food community. There’s so much to do with your new-found friends on campus, in and out of class.


    How to Get Started

    • Check out the enrollment dates for the program you’re interested in and apply for admission. The CIA enrolls students three times a year, so you can start when it’s best for you.
    • File your FAFSA to determine your financial aid opportunities. This way, you’ll be reviewed for scholarships and financial aid immediately.

    Ready to Apply for Admission?

    Apply Now


    Explore Campus

    There is no better way to learn about the CIA than by visiting one of our campuses. Check out our full list of admissions events, including online open houses and campus tours. And after a few hours, you’ll know this is the college for you.

  • Did You Know?


    More than 90% of CIA students receive scholarships and financial aid.
    Learn More