CIA Admissions

At CIA, you’ll discover that food can create connections, build communities, and make an impact—whether it’s in your backyard or on a global scale.

A collage showing two chefs in white uniforms walking outdoors with a vineyard in the background, three smiling chefs in a kitchen, and a chef preparing a colorful dish of vegetables.
Two chefs wearing white uniforms and carrying backpacks walk through a vineyard, their smiles reflecting shared dreams of CIA admissions. They look at each other with rows of grapevines and mountains as their backdrop on a sunny day.
A grand brick building with white accents and numerous windows stands amid lush greenery under a partially cloudy sky. In the foreground, a landscaped garden features a circular fountain. Text overlaid on the image reads, "Food is your life," highlighting the path to CIA admissions.

Overview

Food Is Your Future.

Do you have an interest in food but aren’t sure what type of career might be the right fit? Do you have dreams of becoming a top chef or restaurant owner? Regardless of your experience and career aspirations, you have the opportunity to explore a future in food and discover a world of possibilities at CIA.

While you’re here, you’ll learn from faculty members who are experts in their field and experience a hands-on, immersive culinary education that you can’t find anywhere else. Discover a community of people who are driven by curiosity and creativity, and you’ll soon understand why world-renowned food, beverage, and hospitality companies look to CIA for interns and graduates—the caliber of a CIA education is unmatched.

Food Is Your Community.

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but they all share an interest in food. We hope your path leads to CIA, where you’ll join others in gaining the knowledge, experience, and skills needed for a successful career.

A group of people, mostly young adults, are standing outdoors near a brick wall. One person, a young man in a gray shirt with a conference badge, is smiling and looking at the camera while the others, who are slightly out of focus, are engaged in conversation.
A group of six smiling individuals dressed in white shirts, black ties, and black aprons gather together in what appears to be a kitchen or restaurant setting. They stand in front of an oven and a wall adorned with frames and equipment.
A group of chefs, wearing white chef jackets and tall white hats, are seen in a professional setting. The focus is on a smiling female chef in the foreground, while the background chefs are slightly blurred. They appear cheerful and engaged in conversation.
A person wearing a white chef's uniform and hat is smiling slightly. The uniform has a name embroidered on it. In the background, an American flag is visible. The background is out of focus, bringing attention to the person in the foreground.
A group of six diverse young people wearing matching green t-shirts smiles at the camera. They are outdoors with trees in the background. One person holds up a peace sign, and another holds a red phone. The t-shirts say, "Fresh air, clean water, good food, exercise", promoting CIA admissions.
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.

How to Apply

Whether you’re interested in an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, we have unique, specialized programs that are designed to elevate your skills and provide you with the hands-on experience you need to secure your ideal job in the food world. What are you waiting for? Get started today!

The Value of a CIA Education

If you’re looking to advance your career in food, there is no better investment than a CIA education. From hands-on opportunities and expert faculty instruction to unique concentrations and exclusive networking events, our education and experiences are unparalleled. We are also committed to making your CIA education as affordable as possible. Our costs are comparable to similar colleges, with more than 90% of our students receiving some form of financial aid.

Don’t let applying for financial assistance keep you from going to the world’s premier culinary college. We will work with you, regardless of your individual circumstances, to help make attending CIA an affordable investment in your future.

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.

Connect with Us

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The Culinary Institute of America