Veterans: Right at Home at CIA

Military Veterans, Food is Your Future.

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.

A pastry chef wearing a white uniform and hat is carefully decorating star-shaped cookies with red, white, and blue icing. Other chefs are working in the background. The table is filled with trays of partially decorated cookies.

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 91ߣƵis the best recipe for your success moving into your next chapter.

That’s right—your Yellow Ribbon and Post 9-11 benefits may pay up to 100% of your 91ߣƵtuition. Learn more about your benefits due, transferring benefits, and housing allowances.

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.

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.

A chef dressed in a white uniform and tall white hat smiles confidently with arms crossed, standing in front of an American flag.

Application Process

Applying to CIA

91ߣƵadmits students three times a year, so you can start whenever the time is right for you—and 91ߣƵis here to help you through the process. You can submit your application via Common App or CIA’s website. Our application form takes only 20 minutes to complete. Learn more about application materials, timelines, and review processes.

We’re a Military Friendly® School!

This designation signals that 91ߣƵis 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!

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 .

A circular badge displays the text "Military Friendly School." In the center are the letters "M" and "F" with five stars on the "M" and grey stripes on the "F." Below, it reads "'23-'24 Silver." The outer blue ring has the designation "Military Friendly School.

What Your Fellow Veterans Have to Say

91ߣƵveteran 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.

Benefits and Opportunities

A large brick building with white columns and multiple windows stands on a landscaped campus. An American flag flies prominently in the foreground. Trees, pathways, a clock, and well-maintained gardens surround the building. Overcast sky above.
Two chefs stand side by side in a kitchen, both wearing white chef coats and tall white hats. They have calm expressions and are facing the camera. The logo on their coats reads "91ߣƵ.” There are kitchen utensils in the background.
A group of smiling people, including two individuals dressed in chef uniforms, joyfully pose together outdoors. One person is being playfully lifted by others in the group. The background features brick buildings and greenery.

Veteran students have access to many veteran-specific support options while studying at CIA.

A group of chefs wearing white uniforms and tall hats are meticulously plating desserts in a professional kitchen. The desserts appear to include pastries and fruit. The kitchen is spacious and equipped with stainless steel appliances.

Gain college credit for your prior food industry experience and you could have your degree in as little as 15 months.

A chef in a white uniform and hat is using a pipette to carefully transfer green liquid into a small container in a kitchen setting. The chef appears focused and is wearing gloves, suggesting attention to hygiene and precision in the task.
A professional man in a suit shakes hands with a woman in a white chef's coat at an event. Another woman, also in a white chef's coat, stands nearby holding a photo book. People in similar attire are in the background, indicating a culinary event or gathering.
A woman dressed in a white chef's uniform takes a selfie with another woman in a navy blazer and red blouse. They are smiling and posing inside a brightly lit cafe. Some people are seen seated in the background.

The food world’s most powerful alumni network—50k+ strong—that not only hire 91ߣƵgrads, but also help make the connections to advance careers.

A waiter, wearing a white shirt, black tie, and dark apron, is holding a plate and a small container while smiling at diners. Various people are seated at tables in the restaurant. A decorative rooster is displayed in the background on a shelf.

World-class paid internships at one of 2,000+ CIA-approved organizations.

Chat with a Veteran Student Ambassador
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91ߣƵCampuses

Be part of a vibrant campus and close-knit community, where everyone speaks your language—food.

Discover all that 91ߣƵhas to offer beyond the classroom with our full array of athletics, activities, student services, and delicious dining options. From open mic nights and interactive student groups to off-campus adventures and friendly campus cook-offs, we have countless ways to get involved and meet new people. Did we mention every dorm has a full-sized kitchen?

Connect with Us

Here’s what happening at CIA…

Contact Us

Susan Lavender, CWP
Assistant Director—Admissions
[email protected]
845-451-1557

Specializes in assisting veterans—New York campus

Gerardo Garant
Admissions Counselor
[email protected]
210-554-6453

Specializes in assisting veterans—Texas campus