Culinary Institute of America

Hyde Park, NY · Private nonprofit · 4-year

Culinary Institute of America has a 91.8% acceptance rate. Culinary Institute of America is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Hyde Park, NY, with a median SAT of 1065 and a median ACT of 20. The average net price is $36,113 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

91.8%

2,161 applicants

SAT Median

1065

Combined score

ACT Median

20

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$36,113

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Culinary Institute of America

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Culinary Institute of America (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)97010651183
ACT (composite, 1–36)172025

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.6%

Retention Rate

70.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

3,011

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Culinary Institute of America:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$29,690
$30,001 – $48,000$29,527
$48,001 – $75,000$34,603
$75,001 – $110,000$38,087
$110,000+$41,789

Top Majors at Culinary Institute of America

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing221
Culinary & Personal Services94
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies43

Financial Aid at Culinary Institute of America

About Culinary Institute of America

Official website: https://www.ciachef.edu/

Admissions: https://www.ciachef.edu/cia-admissions/

Frequently Asked Questions About Culinary Institute of America

What is the acceptance rate at Culinary Institute of America?

Culinary Institute of America has an acceptance rate of 92%. it received about 2,161 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1065; the average net price is $36,113 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Culinary Institute of America for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Culinary Institute of America?

Getting into Culinary Institute of America is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 92% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1065. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Culinary Institute of America for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Culinary Institute of America?

Admitted students at Culinary Institute of America typically have a median SAT around 1065 and a median ACT around 20. With a 92% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Culinary Institute of America is located in Hyde Park, NY. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Culinary Institute of America?

The average net price at Culinary Institute of America is $36,113 per year after grants and scholarships. about 98% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $18,211 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Culinary Institute of America?

Culinary Institute of America has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 70%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Culinary Institute of America against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Culinary Institute of America test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Culinary Institute of America is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1065. With a 92% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Culinary Institute of America's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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