Apply Today to CIA

Are you interested in exploring a future in food? Discover a world of exciting career opportunities at CIA.

How to Apply for CIA Associate and Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Whether you’re considering a career as a master chef, entrepreneur, hospitality leader, or food innovator, a hands-on education at CIA is the best way to make it all possible. Get started today by submitting your application through CIA’s online application or Common App.

Admission Requirements

Request official transcripts
Submit an essay
Ask for a recommendation

If you’re an international student, check our additional admission requirements.

That’s it! You’re on your way to enrolling at CIA. If you’ve already submitted your application, learn more about the essay and supporting materials.

CIA Admissions Deadlines

Apply Anytime!

Apply for admission up to 18 months in advance

Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis

Our Texas Campus has reached capacity for Fall 2024 and is closed to new applications.

Next Available Start Date:
January 6, 2025

Hey seniors—ready to join our Fall 2025 class? There’s no better time to make your move! You’ll receive an expedited admission decision and automatically be reviewed for scholarships—and who doesn’t love scholarships!

Additional Start Dates:

September 8, 2025

Enrollment Schedule

Programs	sep	jan	apr
Associate Degree: Culinary Arts—NY, CA, and TX	X	X	X
Associate Degree: Baking and Pastry Arts—NY and CA	X	X	X
Associate Degree: Baking and Pastry Arts—TX	X	X
Bachelor’s Degrees: Applied Food Studies, Culinary Science, and Food Business Mgt.	X	X	X
Bachelor’s Degree: Hospitality Management	X
CIA Associate Grads Only: Food Business Leadership	X
Degree Completion: Baking and Pastry Arts or Culinary Arts	X	X
All Master’s Degrees	X
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program	X

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Graduate and Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program Candidates

Ready to take your career to the next level? If you already hold a bachelor’s degree and are looking to advance your career within the food, beverage, and hospitality industries, CIA’s School of Graduate Studies has a range of available opportunities. Or choose CIA’s Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program (ACAP), which is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree.

Online Bachelor’s Degree Students

Combine your hands-on kitchen skills with the business side of food by enrolling in our 100% online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Food Business Leadership. This program is designed specifically for CIA associate degree alumni with at least four years of full-time work experience after graduating. To apply, you just need your application, an essay, and a copy of your CV or résumé—that’s it!

A woman with curly hair and wearing an orange sweater is sitting at a glass table, smiling while writing in a notebook. She is looking at an open laptop and holding a pen. There is a small plant on the table, and the background is a bright, modern room.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Food Is Your Purpose

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.