Culinary Institute of America
About Culinary Institute of America
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
The Culinary Institute of America is the best known cooking school in the United States, sitting above the Hudson River in Hyde Park, New York. Students train in culinary arts and hospitality management, and the campus runs public restaurants where they cook for paying guests.
Founded
1946
Location
Hyde Park, New York
Students
3,147
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
91.2%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
62.9%
Near national average
Tuition
$39,850
Per year
Avg Net Price
$36,113
After financial aid
SAT Average
1060
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$47,475
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Sep 15
Regular
Feb 15
Culinary Institute of America accepts the majority of applicants at 91.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1060/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
62.9% complete their degree within six years
Retention
70%
4-Year Grad
62.9%
6-Year Grad
Not reported
Teaching Quality
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$15.7K
Class Size
Large
62.9% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$39,850
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$15,030
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$58,790
After Financial Aid
$36,113
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$29,690
Receive Grants
28.9%
Take Loans
53.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $58,790/yr, including $15,030 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $36,113.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Culinary Institute of America fund their education.
While in School
28.9%
Get Grants
Free money
53.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$50,484
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$15,750
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$167/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $15,750 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Culinary Institute of America.
Gender
50.3%
Female
50%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,011
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
136
Graduates
28.3%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
14.5%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (50% women, 50% men). 28.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 7.7% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
3,011
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Special Focus
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Culinary Institute of Americaearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$47,475
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 3Hospitality Administration/Management
$36K
225 grads
1yr Earnings
Culinary Arts and Related Services
$44K
108 grads
1yr Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$32K
34 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $38K six years out, growing to $47K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Culinary Institute of America
What is the acceptance rate at Culinary Institute of America?▾
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What is the graduation rate at Culinary Institute of America?▾
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.