Welcome Parents and Families

For parents of current CIA students, please visit our parents section designed specifically for you.

Supporting Their Passion

At CIA, we welcome our students’ parents and families as an integral part of our community—a community bound by a shared passion for food. For some CIA families, their students’ love for food began early by practicing recipes in the kitchen with grandparents. Regardless of where this passion for food ignited, it’s undeniable that they love it. Creating it. Sharing it. Connecting over it. Food is an integral part of who they are. At CIA, we get it because we live food every day. We’ll prepare your student for an amazing career in a creative profession that’s filled with opportunities—including ones they haven’t even imagined yet. We’re excited to share more about CIA—your student is going to love it here.

Has your student already been accepted to CIA? If so, we’re super excited to welcome you into our family. Check out our Accepted Student page for updates and important next steps.

Already enrolled at CIA? Visit our student portal at CIA Main Menu to stay up-to-date with CIA news and view commonly accessed information—like the academic calendar, campus resources, or how to pay your tuition.

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Prospective Families

Starting college is a big step and your student isn’t the only one embarking on this journey—you are as well. As a key decision maker in helping your student find their perfect college fit, you want a place that can challenge them, build their skills, and prepare them for real-world success. At CIA, we promise to do just that—ensuring they have a personal success team to guide them all the way to graduation—and beyond. But that’s not all you’ll love about CIA—ready to learn more?

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A chef in a white uniform and tall hat demonstrates a cooking technique with a frying pan to a group of culinary students, also in white uniforms and tall hats, in a professional kitchen setting. The students attentively watch.
A chef in a professional kitchen garnishes a plated dish while smiling. Other chefs, also in white uniforms and hats, are focused on their tasks in the background. The kitchen workspace is well-lit and equipped with modern stainless steel appliances and counters.
Three smiling chefs in white uniforms and hats stand in a professional kitchen. The chef in the foreground crosses his arms confidently while the two chefs behind stand slightly blurred, also crossed-arms, conveying a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
Students baking bread
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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.
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admissions

Food is your pathway. Plan a visit to learn more about student life on campus.

Are you ready to explore the #onlyatcia experience? Throughout the year we offer campus tours, open houses, and online events so that you can ask questions, learn more about our programs, and chat with admissions counselors. Do you have specific questions about student life at our Texas campus? No problem! We’d be happy to help and tell you more about our on-campus opportunities.

Chat With a Student

Are you curious about what it’s really like to attend CIA? We’ve got you covered. Our students are ready to answer the questions you haven’t asked anyone else, share their own personal experiences, and give you genuine advice—because they’ve gone through it, too.

Becoming the Best of the Best

CIA graduates are a cut above the rest. It’s why top food and hospitality companies continually look to hire them—they’re the best of the best. Are you ready to join them? Hear why it’s the best decision you’ll ever make.

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Stay Connected…

Graduation Info

We can’t wait to welcome your student to the CIA alumni network.

Join Us on Social Media

There’s always something cooking at the CIA. Follow us on your favorite social networks to stay in the loop.

Why Study at CIA?

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.

The Culinary Institute of America