“The network of alumni that CIA has, along with career services after graduating, are things you won’t find just anywhere.”
Why Study at CIA?
Top 10 Reasons To Be #OnlyAtCIA
When it comes to learning about food and hospitality, we can say with complete confidence that the Culinary Institute of America is truly the best place to begin your future. Check out our list for yourself!
1. The World’s Premier Culinary College
No one is more qualified to educate you about the world of food than CIA, the world’s premier culinary college. For over 80 years, CIA has elevated the culinary profession through its education and training. We’re the college that industry leaders know and respect.
2. Immersive, Hands-on Learning
There’s no better way to learn than by doing. CIA students spend a full semester getting first-hand front- and back-of-house experience in our nine award-winning restaurants. Unlike other institutions, our on-campus restaurants are also open to the public, which means you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to work in the industry.
3. Ability to Customize Your Degree
With a range of exciting opportunities, you can customize your degree to fit your specific interests and career goals. These semester-long concentrations allow you to study a particular area or specialty so that you can become an expert in your desired field.
4. Expert Faculty Instruction
One of the reasons why CIA is the world’s best culinary college is because our faculty are top industry pros. They literally wrote the book on culinary education—The Professional Chef—which other colleges use as teaching material.
5. CIA Career Fairs
Three times a year, more than 150 of the very best food, beverage, and hospitality employers attend our New York campus career fair looking to hire interns and soon-to-be graduates. It’s part of why CIA students average three job offers at graduation!
6. Semester-Long, Paid Internship
Most of our students participate in a full-time, semester-long internship at one of 2,000 CIA-approved locations. Work alongside professionals, build an industry network, and experience the action. It’s the best way to see what it’s really like in the food industry.
7. College Life With a Culinary Twist
We provide the best of both worlds—a comprehensive culinary education and the complete college experience. Earn a food-centric degree in a diverse campus setting that allows you to connect with a community who loves food as much as you do!
8. The Best Investment for Your Future
The value of a CIA education is unparalleled, and if you’re committed to making an investment in your future at CIA, we’re committed to helping you get here. More than 90% of students receive scholarships and financial aid packages, and more than $45 million in student scholarships was awarded last year alone.
9. Unrivaled Industry Connections
We have the food world’s most powerful alumni network of industry leaders and changemakers—more than 55,000 strong—who not only hire CIA grads, but also help each other make the connections necessary to advance careers.
10. 100% Focused on Food
Food is what we do. It’s our singular focus, and it’s what makes CIA stand out from other institutions. We pour all our energy, passion, and industry smarts into providing you with the best food-focused education. It’s the difference you’ll only find at CIA.
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Food Is Your Motivation
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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.