Food is your Passion.

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Students baking bread

The World’s Premier Culinary College

Food is your calling—and it all starts here.

Food is connected to everything we do at the Culinary Institute of America. Here, within an immersive college environment, you’ll experience a first-class culinary education that opens doors to a world of possibility and helps you discover how to create an impactful future in food.

Expert faculty instruction from top industry professionals

Real-world experience working in award-winning, public-service restaurants

Industry’s Best Career Fair: three times a year, 150+ of the very best restaurant and hospitality companies visit our New York campus

Ability to customize your degree to fit your specific interests and career goals

Food is your journey. Find the path that’s right for you.

A chef in a white uniform and striped apron is using a large pipette to measure liquid into a container in a busy commercial kitchen. Other chefs are visible in the background working on their tasks. The chef is smiling and appears focused on her work.

Undergraduate Degrees

Are you ready for an exciting and meaningful future in food? We offer a variety of associate and bachelor’s degree programs that will prepare you with the skills, knowledge, and expertise to succeed in the career of your choosing.

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A smiling man wearing a blazer over a sweater leans forward on a kitchen counter. He is standing in a professional kitchen with chefs in white uniforms working in the background.

Graduate Degrees

CIA’s School of Graduate Studies combines convenient online learning with in-person residences and networking opportunities. Our first-of-its-kind master’s in Culinary Arts combines online learning with immersive paid internships at top Michelin-starred restaurants.

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A group of eleven diverse students smiling and hugging a large bee mascot dressed in a yellow and black costume with "CIA" on its chest. They are standing on an outdoor terrace with a river and green hills in the background.
Two women in white chef coats are smiling and picking herbs in a lush garden with various plants and greenery. A stone building and more greenery are visible in the background, indicating a sunny and pleasant outdoor environment.
Three people in chef uniforms walk together down a brick pathway between buildings. They are talking and smiling. One person carries a black bag. There is a sign overhead that reads "The Culinary Institute of America." Greenery and plants are on one side of the walkway.

Student Life

Food is your community!

Thrive outside of the kitchen and connect with others on campus.

Discover all that CIA has to offer beyond the classroom with our full array of athletics, activities, student services, and delicious dining options. From open mic nights and interactive student groups to off-campus adventures and friendly campus cook-offs, we have countless ways to get involved and meet new people. Did we mention every dorm has a full-sized kitchen?

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Don’t Take Our Word for It:

Here’s What CIA Students Have to Say

Plan Your CIA Visit

Interested in learning more about the #OnlyAtCIA experience? Not sure which degree program is right for you? Consider attending one of our admissions events!

Open Houses

Learn more about our academic programs, ask questions, and explore the campus. We offer open houses throughout the year for high school seniors and adult and transfer students.

Make a Reservation

Campus Tours

There isn’t anything better than seeing our beautiful, campuses in person. Explore our kitchens and bake shops, residence halls, rec center, library, and some of our many, many dining choices. You’ll see it all.

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Online Open Houses

Prefer to visit our campus virtually? No problem. Our online open houses allow you to learn more about CIA from the comfort of your home. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Reserve a Spot
A chef in a white uniform and hat is carefully plating a dish with sauce from a pot in a busy professional kitchen. Other chefs in white uniforms and hats are actively working in the background, under red heat lamps.

Why Choose CIA?

Food is your opportunity.

We’re educating and empowering students to effect change for a better world through food.

As the world’s premier culinary college, CIA does more than just cultivate the next generation of food and hospitality industry leaders—we also empower students to effect change in their communities and through future endeavors. We want students to grow, create, and explore the world through food, whether it’s with a career in food policy, sustainability, restaurant management, hospitality, or the culinary arts.

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Locations Worldwide

CIA has campuses in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.

2K+

Internships Around the World

Learn alongside expert mentors who will help prepare you for a future in food and hospitality.

90%

Percentage of Students Receiving Scholarships and Financial Aid

We’ll help you navigate the financial aid process so that you can invest in your future.

50K+

CIA Alumni Around the World

Our strong alumni network provides unparalleled support and meaningful industry connections.

Helpful Resources

Admissions

Interested in learning more about our academic programs? We’re ready to help and provide you with more information.

Admissions

Ask a Student

What’s it really like to study at CIA? Our students will answer any questions you may have—including ones about their favorite activities and spots to eat.

Ask a Student

How to Apply

Learn more about the application process, deadlines, and our enrollment schedule.

How to Apply

CIA Alumni

They’re not only accomplished chefs—they’re influential leaders in the food world.

“I was taking the tour and looking through the glass at CIA students in the bakeshops and kitchens. I got tears in my eyes envisioning myself in those kitchens and seeing the potential that they held for me.”
Camille Cogswell Pastry Chef Zahav
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“I fell in love day one. Everyone who goes to the school has one common goal and passion, and you’re learning from the best.”
Tasha Mabin Catering Director The Compass Group USA
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“The scientific process that you learn in this degree is second to none. You get very well prepared in the program here.”
James Bickmore-Hutt Culinary R&D Manager and Corporate Chef Dole
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“The faculty truly is the most valuable aspect of the Applied Food Studies program.”
Ramona Nahapetian Office and Restaurant Accounts Manager Masienda
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“You have legends here. What I love about CIA is that the professors that have been teaching here 25, 30 years…they evolve with the times.”
Roy Choi Chef, Restaurateur, Author
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“The CIA gave me the foundation and understanding of the business, from the basics to the complex, through both the associate and bachelor’s programs.”
Adam Crocini Global Head and Vice President of Food & Beverage Luxury & Lifestyle Group, Hilton
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CIA News

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