Requirements & Deadlines
Apply Today to CIA
Admissions counselors are available to help you with your application. Accepted students are automatically considered for CIA scholarships.
How to Apply for CIA Associate and Bachelor鈥檚 Degree Programs
Whether you鈥檙e 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鈥檚 online application or Common App.
Upcoming Start Dates
- January 6, 2026: Apply Now
- April 2026: Apply Now
- September 2026:
Early Action I:
Application Deadline: November 14, 2025
Decision Notification: December 1, 2025
Admission Requirements
- Request official transcripts
- Submit an essay
- Ask for a recommendation
View additional admission requirements for international students and .
That鈥檚 it! You鈥檙e on your way to enrolling at CIA. If you鈥檝e already submitted your application, learn more about the essay and supporting materials. CIA requires that all students meet certain functions and .
杏吧原创 Admissions Deadlines
*All CIA admissions decisions are non-binding.
September 2026
- Early Action I:
Application Deadline: November 14, 2025
Decision Notification: December 1, 2025 - Early Action II:
Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
Decision Notification: January 15, 2026 - Regular Decision:
Application Deadline: February 16, 2026
Decision Notification: March 1, 2026
January 2026 and April 2026鈥擜pply Anytime!
- Apply for admission up to 18 months in advance.
- Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Receive a decision notification approximately two weeks after your application is complete.
Graduate and Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program Candidates
Ready to take your career to the next level? If you already hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree and are looking to advance your career within the food, beverage, and hospitality industries, CIA鈥檚 School of Graduate Studies has a range of available opportunities. Or choose CIA鈥檚 Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program (ACAP), which is designed for students who already have a bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Online Bachelor鈥檚 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 r茅sum茅鈥攖hat’s it!
Tuition and Financial Aid
Food Is Your Purpose
If you鈥檙e 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鈥檛 let applying for financial assistance keep you from going to the world鈥檚 premier culinary college. We will work with you, regardless of your individual circumstances, to help make attending CIA an affordable investment in your future.
Get an Up-close look at CIA
Tour Campus or Attend an Online Event
Whether you鈥檙e looking to visit one of our campuses or would prefer the convenience of a virtual event, there鈥檚 no better way to learn more about CIA than with one of our admissions events.
