Why Study at CIA?

Top 10 Reasons To Be #OnlyAtCIA

When it comes to learning about food and hospitality, we can say with complete confidence that the Culinary Institute of America is truly the best place to begin your future. Check out our list for yourself!

1. The World’s Premier Culinary College

No one is more qualified to educate you about the world of food than CIA, the world’s premier culinary college. For over 75 years, CIA has elevated the culinary profession through its education and training. We’re the college that industry leaders know and respect.

A group of chefs wearing white uniforms and tall white chef hats working in a professional kitchen. They are preparing breaded meat on metal trays, surrounded by various kitchen utensils and containers. The kitchen is well-lit and equipped with stainless steel appliances.

2. Immersive, Hands-on Learning

There’s no better way to learn than by doing. CIA students spend a full semester getting first-hand front- and back-of-house experience in our nine award-winning restaurants. Unlike other institutions, our on-campus restaurants are also open to the public, which means you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to work in the industry.

3. Ability to Customize Your Degree

With a range of exciting opportunities, you can customize your degree to fit your specific interests and career goals. These semester-long concentrations allow you to study a particular area or specialty so that you can become an expert in your desired field.

Two people in white chef coats are smiling and working in a garden filled with vibrant plants, with a rustic building in the background. They appear to be harvesting or tending to the garden on a sunny day.
A chef in a white uniform and tall hat demonstrates a cooking technique with a frying pan to a group of culinary students, also in white uniforms and tall hats, in a professional kitchen setting. The students attentively watch.

4. Expert Faculty Instruction

One of the reasons why CIA is the world’s best culinary college is because our faculty are top industry pros. They literally wrote the book on culinary education—The Professional Chef—which other colleges use as teaching material.

5. CIA Career Fairs

Three times a year, more than 150 of the very best food, beverage, and hospitality employers attend our New York campus career fair looking to hire interns and soon-to-be graduates. It’s part of why CIA students average 3 job offers at graduation!

A woman at a booth is presenting information to two individuals at an indoor event. There is a laptop on the table displaying an image. Other items and pamphlets are spread out on the table. Several people are visible in the background, engaging in conversations.
A pastry chef in a white uniform and hat uses a piping bag filled with chocolate to fill small molds on a baking tray. The workspace is a professional kitchen with equipment and utensils visible in the background.

6. Semester-Long, Paid Internship

Most of our students participate in a full-time, semester-long internship at one of 2,000 CIA-approved locations. Work alongside professionals, build an industry network, and experience the action. It’s the best way to see what it’s really like in the food industry.

7. College Life With a Culinary Twist

We provide the best of both worlds—a comprehensive culinary education and the complete college experience. Earn a food-centric degree in a diverse campus setting that allows you to connect with a community who loves food as much as you do!

A group of diverse smiling students stands outdoors on a terrace overlooking a river and green hills. They surround a mascot dressed as a friendly yellow and black bee with "CIA" on its chest. The students wear casual clothes with the same "CIA" branding.
A chef in a white uniform and tall chef hat is kissing a gold medal with a green ribbon. The background is blurred, and another chef in similar attire is partially visible beside him. The scene suggests a celebratory or award-winning moment.

8. The Best Investment for Your Future

The value of a CIA education is unparalleled, and if you’re committed to making an investment in your future at CIA, we’re committed to helping you get here. More than 90% of students receive scholarships and financial aid packages, and more than $40 million in student scholarships was awarded last year alone.

9. Unrivaled Industry Connections

We have the food world’s most powerful alumni network of industry leaders and changemakers—50,000+ strong—who not only hire CIA grads, but also help each other make the connections necessary to advance careers.

Several chefs wearing white uniforms and hats are working together in a busy kitchen. One chef is wearing glasses and a black cap with an "X" on it. They are all focused on preparing food, with one stirring in a pan while others look on or assist.
A chef wearing a white uniform and hat is smiling while holding a beautifully plated dish towards the camera. The dish features a piece of fish, garnished with microgreens and flower petals, set on a base of vegetables and sauce. A busy kitchen is visible in the background.

10. 100% Focused on Food

Food is what we do. It’s our singular focus, and it’s what makes CIA stand out from other institutions. We pour all our energy, passion, and industry smarts into providing you with the best food-focused education. It’s the difference you’ll only find at CIA.

“The network of alumni that CIA has, along with career services after graduating, are things you won’t find just anywhere.”
Jeremy Sawyer bachelor’s degree in Management
“I want to learn as much about food as I possibly can. CIA has given me the resources and the knowledge to pursue this dream and achieve it.”
Alexander Telinde Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Science
“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!”
Jennifer Rice associate degrees in Culinary Arts and in Baking and Pastry Arts
Three chefs in white uniforms stand at the entrance of a modern restaurant with large glass windows, surrounded by lush greenery. One chef chats with the other two, who sit on the steps outside. The scene is peaceful and inviting.

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