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Welcome to the Culinary Institute of America
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    Veterans: Right at Home at CIA

  • Welcome Military Veterans!

    A sense of purpose. Service. Making a difference. You’ve experienced them all in your military career, so it’s only natural to seek them in your next one. A career in food is a great fit for your skills and drive, and so is the Culinary Institute of America, where you’ll practice mastery, discipline, and teamwork in our professional kitchens every day.

    Join our strong and committed community of veteran students at CIA. We’re proud to have been founded in 1946 for the express purpose of preparing World War II veterans for food careers.

    Join Us for an Online Chat for Veterans

    Get to know why CIA is the place to be for veterans pursuing a career in food.

    Baking and Pastry students with a cake.

    The CIA Degree of Your Choice

    Use your hard-earned GI Bill® benefits to earn an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from the world-famous CIA. Why not choose the best? An education from CIA is the best recipe for your success moving into your next chapter.


    Culinary Institute of America student in the kitchen.

    CIA’s Fast Turbo Option

    Your military food service experience can transfer quickly into college credit. Get your CIA degree in culinary arts or baking and pastry arts in as little as 15 months! If you have full-time, hands-on work experience in professional kitchens this quick option is just for you.


    Military veterans in culinary school uniforms.

    Free Culinary School for Veterans with GI Bill Benefits

    That’s right—your Yellow Ribbon and Post 9-11 benefits may pay up to 100% of your CIA tuition. Learn more about your benefits due, transferring benefits, and housing allowances.


    Veteran culinary school student at the Culinary Institute of America.

    Resources and Support for a Smooth Transition

    Learn about resources available only to veteran students. Location, meal plans, clubs, housing, employment, and other types of support…we can’t name them all. Our hub of information to answer all your questions on how to make your degree a reality.


    Handshake between people wearing veteran & culinary school uniforms.

    Fit Easily in to Our Family

    You’re already familiar with discipline and structure—and fun, too! Check out one of our three amazing campuses to learn more about our center of the food universe.

     

  • Ready to Apply for Admission?

    CIA admits students three times a year, so you can start whenever the time is right for you.

    Apply Now


    Explore Campus

    There is no better way to learn about CIA than by visiting one of our campuses. Check out our full list of admissions events, including online open houses and campus tours. And after a few hours, you’ll know this is the college for you.

    GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at .

  • Questions? CIA Veteran Student Ambassadors Can Help! Chat now.

  • Logo for Military Friendly® Schools designation, awarded to The Culinary Institute of America.We’re a Military Friendly® School! This designation signals that CIA is one of a select few colleges setting the standard for higher education institutions to provide the best opportunities for veterans and their spouses.

    We’re also proud to be listed yet again as a “Best for Vets” College by MilitaryTimes!

  • What Your Fellow Veterans Have to Say

    CIA veteran students share their experiences as they prepare to make a difference in their new careers in this segment from Meals Ready to Eat, produced by Navy veteran August Dannehl.

     

  • Contact Us

    Susan Lavender, Assistant Director—AdmissionsSusan Lavender, CWP
    Assistant Director—Admissions
    Susan.Lavender@culinary.edu
    845-451-1557

    Specializes in assisting veterans—New York campus


    Tyler Gelrud, Associate Director—AdmissionsTyler Gelrud
    Associate Director—Admissions
    Tyler.Gelrud@culinary.edu
    707-967-2338

    Specializes in assisting veterans—California campus


    Gerardo Garant, Admissions CounselorGerardo Garant
    Admissions Counselor
    Gerardo.Garant@culinary.edu
    210-554-6453

    Specializes in assisting veterans—Texas campus

  • Jennifer Rice, CIA Degrees in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts & veteran scholarship recipient

    Veteran Spotlight

    Jennifer Rice
    Military Wife
    “Meeting and interacting with staff, faculty, and other members of the culinary community has enriched my life and career. Without the scholarship, I would not have been able to experience all of this!”
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    Aaron Tarpley, CIA NY Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Arts Management student and veteran.

    Veteran Spotlight

    Aaron Tarpley
    U.S. Army
    “The CIA is the world’s premier culinary college, so it was the only choice for me.”
    Read More Ěý
  • Did You Know?


    CIA is the only school with nine student-run, award-winning public restaurants in top U.S. foodie destinations.
    Learn More