The Culinary Institute of America

College Profile

• You love food. It’s your passion. And you’re pretty sure you want to make it your life. If this sounds like you, then The Culinary Institute of America is the only place to be. At the CIA, we believe in the power of food to change lives and, yes, the world. With our singular focus on food and your success in the industry—it’s no wonder we’re regarded as the world’s premier culinary college. That’s because for nearly 75 years, we’ve poured all our energy, passion, and industry smarts into providing you with the best food and hospitality focused education. Our CIA faculty represent some of the best minds in food, hospitality, and academics. They come from all over the world and have worked and won awards in every area of food and higher education. Only at the CIA will you get the immersive learning and industry connections that prepare you to lead in the kitchen, hotel operations, event management or anywhere else you want to go in food or hospitality. At the CIA you’ll find a multitude food and hospitality focused associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs; academic concentrations; and study abroad opportunities that give you the ability to customize your education to fit your specific interests and career goals. Expect to build a strong foundation and learn by doing through our experiential classes and labs. With 1,300+ hours in our kitchens and bakeshops, you’ll get the hands-on experience you need, develop your understanding of taste and flavor, and build skills that go well beyond the kitchen. Then put it all into practice during your paid internship, and in our award-winning public restaurants and bakery cafés. You’ll explore concepts in the way most meaningful to you—through food. Class projects, culinary travel, visits to food and hospitality businesses…you’ll find the CIA’s experiential approach is the best way to learn. No matter where or how high you want to go in your food career, the CIA will prepare you for it all.

Bachelor’s in Culinary Science
Bachelor’s in Applied Food Studies
Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Online Bachelor’s degree in in Food Business Leadership
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Associate Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Master’s Degree in Wine Management
Online Master’s Degree in Food Business
Adult Degree Completion Program

Demographics

English as a Second Language Program and Services

The CIA has partnerships with three language schools for students that require further study to improve their English language proficiency: ELS Language Centers, International Mid Pacific College, and Empire State English.

1. SUNY New Paltz Haggerty English Language Program (HELP): CIA accepts completion of the SUNY New Paltz HELP Level 4 Academic Pathway Program.
2. ELS Language Centers: CIA accepts completion of ELS English for Academic Purposes Program Level 112.
3. International Mid Pacific College (IMPAC): CIA accepts completion of the IMPAC Level 5-Low Advanced course combined with a 75+ score on the Michigan Test of English Language.
4. Empire State English (ESE): CIA accepts completion of the ESE General English Level Advanced C combined with a score of 100 or above on the ESE exit test.

Before you enroll in an English language program, you must first meet all of the admissions requirements listed below:

1. Have the available finances required for your program of study.
2. Submit your CIA application along with a letter indicating your intention to attend a language school prior to attending the CIA.

When you have submitted all documents to the CIA, your file will be reviewed for academic ability. If you are admissible, you will receive a Conditional Acceptance to the CIA.

Students who receive a Conditional Acceptance from the CIA are expected to enroll at one of the three partner language schools in a timely fashion. After completing the language school program, students must submit their certificate of completion to the CIA to receive a full acceptance. Students who have received their certificate must enroll at one of the three CIA campuses on the next available entry date, which will be determined by an admissions counselor. Please view the Enrollment Schedule to learn more.

For more information, click here.

International Student Housing Options

On campus housing is available for international students. You can view our campus housing options by clicking here. All new and returning students must complete the on-campus housing request form located on the CIA Student Portal by following the steps below:

1. Log on to the CIA Student Portal.
2. Select Apply for Campus Housing on your “To-Do” list.
3. Fill out the Housing Application and submit.

Residence Life 845-451-1260

E-mail Address: reslife@culinary.edu

First Year, Transfer, and Graduate Students

It’s easy to apply for one of our degree or certificate programs. The application can largely be completed online and is designed to help us get to know you—to learn about your food and career interests, foodservice experience, and academic performance. The steps for applying vary by program, but here’s a general overview of the process:

• Create your CIA account and complete your application form, either online, by mail, or via Common Application.
• Answer short questions or submit a statement of purpose.
• Sign, date, and submit your application with the $50 application fee.
• Ask for a recommendation from a former teacher or employer.
• Request that your official high school or college transcript be sent directly to the CIA Admissions Department

For additional information for International Students, please click here.

Financial Aid

International Students are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

• International Merit Award: New students who have demonstrated academic excellence as shown by their GPA (high school, college, or both), are eligible for merit-based scholarship applied specifically to tuition charges. Our admissions team will evaluate your academic records automatically during the application process; students do not need to apply separately for this scholarship. The award is renewable with a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Alumni Referral Scholarship New students who are referred to the CIA by a graduate will receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship. To be eligible, you must include a letter of recommendation from the CIA graduate with your admission application.

Student Activities and Campus Life

The CIA has a wide offering of student activities, athletics, clubs and organizations, and on- and off-campus events.

New York Campus Virtual Tour
Explore our campus—including academic buildings, residence halls, and facilities—on our virtual tour. CIA NY Campus Map

Clubs
Campus clubs are an excellent way to connect with people who share your interests. There’s the Alliance Club that celebrates student diversity, the Gourmet Society for exploring world cuisine and gourmet foods, the Eta Sigma Delta international honor society, and many more. Learn more about all the CIA student organizations at the NY campus.

CIA Athletics
Students are taking to the fields and courts to help build a proud tradition of intercollegiate athletics at the college. The CIA is pleased to offer five competitive sports opportunities—intercollegiate soccer, basketball, cross country, tennis, and volleyball. Or, you can get involved in the college’s various intramural sports, fitness programs, or recreational activities.

Living at the CIA
Lifelong friends and memories—that’s what you get when you live on campus. As a CIA student, you enjoy the full campus experience in our residence halls and lodges. It’s a great way to round out your college life—and your social life! Learn more about CIA NY housing

CIA Meal Plan
The Culinary Institute of America offers an exciting selection of meal plans for our students. These plans use a points system, loading points onto each student ID card to use as determined by each specific plan. Learn more about CIA Meal Plans

Learn from Celebrity Chefs
You’ll have many opportunities to learn from—and sometimes even rub elbows with—some of the greatest stars of the food world.

Vibrant Community
The college has its share of great options for fun and exploration in the surrounding area. There’s New York City, orchards and farms, historic sites, rock climbing—you’ll never be short of exciting off-campus activities at the CIA.