Culinary Institute of America
Overview
Culinary Institute of America, aka CIA, is a privately owned culinary school. It was established in 1946 as one of the first schools teaching culinary arts in the USA. CIA provides certificates, associate degrees, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs to students. The CIA hosts three career fairs annually for its students, resulting in an average of three job offers for students at graduation.
Highlights
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Total International Students: 10% of the total enrollment
Culinary Institute of America Intake
The Culinary Institute of America accepts students on a rolling admission basis. Programs at CIA typically start in January, April, and September.
- Fall Intake: CIA accepts its master’s programs in the Fall intake.
- Spring Intake: This intake usually starts in January.
- Summer Intake: The summer intake at CIA begins in April or May.
Culinary Institute of America Courses
The Culinary Institute of America offers various undergraduate, certificates, associate’s, and postgraduate degrees. Here are some of the top programs of the CIA:
Program | Duration | Total Fees Per Semester |
Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Food Studies | 4 Years | $22,405 |
Bachelor’s Degree in Food Business Management | 4 Years | $22,405 |
Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Science | 4 Years | $22,405 |
Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management | 4 Years | $22,405 |
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program | 30 Weeks | $20,460 |
Associate in Baking and Pastry Arts | 2 Years | $22,405 |
Cost of Studying at the Culinary Institute of America
Culinary Institute of America tuition fees differ based on the campus. Here’s how much it charges for the CIA based on its campus:
Expenses | New York Campus | California Campus | Texas Campus |
Tuition | $19,100 | $19,100 | $19,100 |
Board | $2,420 | $2,120 | $1,060 |
General Fee+ | $885 | $885 | $485 |
Application Fee | $50 | $50 | $50 |
Student Orientation Fee | $275 | $135 | $60 |
Supplies & Uniforms (Associate Degree Students) | $1,180 | $1,180 | $1,180 |
Health Insurance | $1,825 | $1,825 | $1,825 |
Graduation Fee | $300 | $300 | $300 |
On-Campus | $4,015 – $5,400 | $4,300 – $6,035 | – |
Culinary Institute of America Scholarships
90% of students receive scholarships & financial aid from CIA. Assistance grants, alumni referral scholarships, and excellence awards are some of the types of scholarships available to students. Some of the top CIA scholarships are:
- CIA Assistance Grant: Awarded to degree program students ($1,000 – $5,000 per year) who demonstrate need as determined by FAFSA.
- CIA Alumni Referral Scholarship: Awarded $1,000 (one time) and is available only for the freshman year.
- CIA Excellence Award: Merit-based scholarship applied to tuition charges. Available based on your GPA and leadership qualities. Students are awarded $5,000 to $15,000 per year, depending on the program.
Culinary Institute of America Admission
To apply to the CIA, please complete the online application and submit all required documents. The admission requirements for CIA are as follows:
Masters
Admission Requirements:
International students must have an undergraduate degree equivalent to a US undergraduate degree.
English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:
- IELTS Academic – 6.0
- TOEFL iBT – 80
- Duolingo – 115
- iTEP Academic Plus – 3.8
- MET Digital – 55
- PTE Academic – 53
- C1 Advanced – 180
Additional Requirements:
You must also submit your essay (500 – 1,000 words), letter of recommendation, English language proficiency score, resume, or CV.
Bachelors
Admission Requirements:
For associate and bachelor’s degree programs, students must have completed high school or its equivalent.
English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:
- IELTS Academic – 6.0
- TOEFL iBT – 80
- Duolingo – 115
- iTEP Academic Plus – 3.8
- MET Digital – 55
- PTE Academic – 53
- C1 Advanced – 180
Additional Requirements:
You are also required to give a 200-word personal statement, a letter of recommendation, and a score of English language proficiency.
Accommodation at the Culinary Institute of America
Culinary Institute of America provides campus-based residences at the New York and California campuses.
- New York Campus: Offers housing for more than 1,700 students. Residence Halls, Adirondack-Style Lodges, and Townhouses are available.
- California Campus: Offers on-campus housing for approximately 150 students. Guest House and Vineyard Lodge I & II are available for students.
Culinary Institute of America Placements
The CIA boasts a strong placement record due to its robust alumni network and extensive network of recruiters. The CIA arranges career fairs three times a year, with more than 150 recruiters in attendance. Here are some of the top employers of the CIA:
Top Employers: Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Marriott, Hilton, The French Laundry, Eleven Madison Park, Alinea, Le Bernardin, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Starbucks, Whole Foods Market, Union Square Hospitality Group, Wolfgang Puck Restaurants, José Andrés Group, Food Network, Bon Appétit, The New York Times Food.
Student Essential Services
The Culinary Institute of America offers a range of student activities, clubs, organizations, and off-campus opportunities.
- Student Activities: The CIA hosts several events on campus, including movie nights, book signings, carnivals, game nights, yoga sessions, and more.
- Student Clubs and Organizations: La Chef, PRIDE, SPICE, Outdoor Adventure Club are some of the student clubs and organizations at the CIA.
- Off-Campus Student Activities: Professional sporting events, hiking, white-water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, local orchards, wineries, breweries, farmers’ markets, and food purveyors are some of the off-campus activities available at CIA.
- Student Services: The CIA offers a range of services, including health, medical, career, tutoring, study assistance, counseling, wellness services, and more, to its students.
Location of Culinary Institute of America
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Culinary Institute of America hard to get into as an international student?
The CIA has a high acceptance rate of 95%, making it easier for international students to gain admission.
How much is the tuition fee at the Culinary Institute of America?
The Culinary Institute of America’s tuition fees are $22,405 per semester. However, the cost depends on your program of study and campus.
Is the SAT/ACT required for international applicants at the Culinary Institute of America?
No, the SAT/ACT is not required for international students. However, the scores may enhance your application.
Can I apply without a culinary background or experience at the Culinary Institute of America?
Yes, you can apply without a prior culinary background or experience. CIA values students’ dedication for admission.
Do I need to submit my academic transcripts in English for admission to the Culinary Institute of America?
Yes, you must submit your academic transcripts in English to be considered for admission to the Culinary Institute of America. If they are not in English, they must be translated by SpanTran and submitted to the CIA in the English language.
Do I need to provide proof of funds for a student visa (I-20) to attend the Culinary Institute of America?
Yes, as an international student on a student visa, you are required to demonstrate proof of funds of a minimum of $62,000 for undergraduate admission or $55,000 for ACAP admission at the Culinary Institute of America.
Is on-campus housing available for international students at the Culinary Institute of America?
Yes, the Culinary Institute of America offers on-campus housing for international students at its campuses in New York and California. International students can also opt for homestays or off-campus housing.
