Please type at least the first 4 letters of the school name.

Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Culinary Institute of America reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Culinary Institute of America. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Culinary Institute of America reviews, or contribute your own Culinary Institute of America review if you're a current student there.

  • 39 out of 39 people found this review useful.

    Kristopher from Chesterbrook, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Every day is filled with TONS of material, so every day you are learning brand new techniques and methods. Because the class sizes are relatively small at the Culinary Institute of America, the Chefs/Professors are able to help each student more towards his or her individual needs, which is much appreciated.
    Am enjoying being here

    Overall, the atmosphere of the campus is excellent. Situated on the Hudson River, it is amazing. The overall experience at the Culinary Institute of America is very enjoyable because everyone is professional towards one another.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be sure to send in your application early. Be honest on your application and explain in detail. Definitely take a step back and really think about whether or not you want to dedicate your career to the food service industry, because if you aren't sure, the Culinary Institute of America isn't for you. The CIA is very fast-paced, hard-working and challenging, but well worth it if you are dedicated and interested.
    Great for these types of students

    Hard-workers, determined individuals, team-players, creative people.

  • 13 out of 13 people found this review useful.

    Herbert from Marlboro, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    First of all we are on a block system with new classes every three or six weeks depending on the block. Each block contains classes which if they are kitchen classes are everyday. These classes you will have hands on training as well as lectures on specific subjects. For example, in Cuisines of Asia you will have three days dedicated to just Chinese food. In addition to learning the specific techniques you will also learn of the geography, flavor profiles, and food styles specific to the different regions. An example of the academic classes, would be B-Block. This block contains the class: Introduction to Gastronomy, Culinary Mathematics, Product Knowledge, and Food Safety. Product Knowledge you will learn all about produce and their quality and condition, how to choose them and how to identify them. Food Safety allows you to learn about the risks of unsafe food. You will also study for the ServSafe test.
    There is also an 18 week externship where the students will apply for jobs in the industry and work. This allows the students to experience the industry and show them how its works, the process of applying to a job, network, and ultimately hone their skills in the kitchen.
    Although we take a plenitude of classes, we complete them in a shorter amount of time, which can lead to students unable to grasp the knowledge needed to pass.
    Am enjoying being here

    I absolutely love being here. There is an awesome view and you are surrounded by nature with the Hudson River viewable from some dorms. It is very picturesque. I also love being around the knowledgeable chefs and around peers that share a common love of food. It is very refreshing to talk to someone and not have to explain what every detail to have them understand. The ability to meet new people is great since we have new students coming in every three weeks.
    A con of being in this area is that there is not much to do after class and on the weekends. We are very close to some diners and the mall is about ten to fifteen minutes away. There is also a small town called Rhinebeck, 30 minutes north, where we walk around, window shop, and eat.
    Bang for the buck

    For over $30,000 a year, it is a bit pricey. We are known to be The World's Premier Culinary College. We have the most Certified Master Chef/Bakers on campus, compared to any other location. The majority of the instructors/professors have industry experience which lend to lots of recommendations, suggestions, and networks. On the other hand it is quite inconvenient that in my dorm we only have one working washing machine out of three. Three are not even enough for the whole building. The internet service is sort of shotty, it is sometime very unreliable which is very annoying. For that price tag it should be fully functional 24/7. The meal plan is on and off for me. IT is great to have a bountiful cuisine choice for lunch and dinner, but the menus cycle every three weeks, which can become very boring. After externship we have a meal swipe which can be used at the Apple Pie Cafe or Courtside Cafe, which its great but at Apple Pie a swipe, which is equivalent to $8 it is not even enough to get a sandwich and a soda.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you feel this career choice is something you will stick to no matter what happens, this is the school for you. There is so much knowledge to be learned but in a very short amount of time. If you are diligent, dedicated then this is the place for you.
    Great for these types of students

    Those that know that this what they want to do for a career. Those who work hard and do not try to find shortcuts. Must be very persistent and detail oriented. Be very open minded about food. Responsibility and diligence is key here at the CIA. Not only must we be clean in the kitchen but we must be clean in the dorms, as we have a sanitation inspection every three weeks. A driven person with a love to learn and the love for food belong here.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Alyssa from Hillsborough, NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Each chef and professor has a different teaching style which really helps me learn. I think by getting so many views on one topic I am able to understand it better because one chef may be able to explain a topic more clearly than another. The variety of teaching styles keeps the information fresh and new while still sticking to the basics that everyone NEEDS to know.
    Am enjoying being here

    Whether I am in a classroom, kitchen, my dorm room, or wandering the campus, I am loving every minute at the Culinary Institute of America. I am learning so much while I am in class and I really do feel like I expand my skills every single day. Once classes are over I am able to relax and do my own thing but I am never bored. There are always on and off campus activities and even if none of them interest me, the campus is so beautiful that I could just walk around campus all day long.
    Bang for the buck

    Attending the Culinary Institute is definitely not a cheap endeavor however, it is worth every penny. I have to keep my GPA up to hold onto scholarships and I am constantly on the look out for more scholarships. I work hard to pay for this school but everyday I step into the kitchen I know it is worth it.
    Tips for prospective students

    1. Get your name out there and apply to a lot of places when looking for your required 6 months in the field
    2. Continuously look for scholarships before and after entering this school
    3. Get the most out of your 6 months in the field because the more you learn then the more you can expand when you arrive at school

    Great for these types of students

    1. Determined
    2. Dedicated
    3. Artistic
    4. Hard working
    5. Confident
    6. Open minded

  • 8 out of 13 people found this review useful.

    Anna from San Diego, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Leah from Milton, WV

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Academic Rigor

    Excellent training in both baking and culinary arts. Master trained chefs and world-class instructors. Professionalism is key.
    Dorm Life

    Easy to get a room. Very clean and plenty of room for essentials. Big bathrooms.
    Food and Dining

    Top quality food. Every night 3 course plated dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
    What to do for fun

    Take a train to the city!
    Campus Safety

    Safety is not an issue, very quiet campus and open.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Michael from North Canton, OH

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I'm currently on extern but in my first year alone I've learned more than spending 6 years in the kitchen! Just ask questions and be ready for class!
    Am enjoying being here

    There is nothing better than being around food all day every day. The location is unbeatable just a train ride away from the city. We are in the heart of the Hudson valley and it is the most beautiful location in all of new york.
    Bang for the buck

    You will learn a lot but the school is a little too expensive. It does happen to get cheaper every year that you advance though.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you are dedicated to culinary, if not I can almost promise that you will quit. Some chefs have no mercy and want you to give up. It's like military school if you can't listen and have authority problems you will get weeded out quick.
    Great for these types of students

    Culinary geeks... You know who we are.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Ilona from Brooklyn, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    This school prepares you for the real world. You learn so much just in one day of class and everyday the work you do is hands on. You get to learn first hand from top chefs who have been in the culinary industry for many years and the small classes give you the opportunity to work one on one with your chef.
    Am enjoying being here

    The atmosphere on campus and in class is highly motivational. You are surrounded by student who are here for the same reason you are; for the love of food!
    Bang for the buck

    Attending this school will definetly take more money, but what you get out of it is worth the buck.

  • 2 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Kayla from Sussex, NJ

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    CIA is a very hands on school. You have multiple classes everyday and you learn both the baking and cooking aspects no matter what your major is.
    Will enjoy being here

    Hyde Park has a gorgeous campus overlooking the Hudson River. The campus is fully equipped with a recreation center- pool, gym, indoor track, tennis courts, etc.,- 5 on site restuarants, and clubs and extra classes for students.
    Bang for the buck

    It is a bit pricey but for the most prestigeous culinary institution in the world, its not bad.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get your application in early. If your looking for a party school, CIA is not for you.
    Great for these types of students

    hard-working, dedicated students with a passion for the industry.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Jeffrey from PHILADELPHIA, PA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    outstanding school to attend, offers bachelor degree in culinary arts/management and great place to meet a variety of chefs
    Tips for prospective students

    very exciting and students look forward to an outstanding school year
    Academic Rigor

    the best thing to know is that as a student if you focus and stay on top of your game and most of all follow all rules, everything should be great
    Dorm Life

    dorm life is a great way to meet new people from different places around the world and the beginning stages to learning how3 to become responsible
    Food and Dining

    the food is great and there's plenty restaurants around campus to eat at
    What to do for fun

    i will usually play basketball at the gym and come up with new recipes
    Bang for the buck

    every culinary arts school are expensive however out all the culinary arts school i did a research on, the institute of america is the best one to attend. attending the culinary institute is a big investment for the future for the student
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    honestly i've not seen an unusual place on campus
    Great for these types of students

    the culinary institute of america is great place for students that are passionate about cooking and not just a degree.
    Clubs and Activities

    there's plenty of activities: dance, sports, clubs and more
    Greek Life

    there's fraternity clubs and more on campus
    Campus Safety

    campus safety is a five star including their health centers.

  • 2 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Krystal from Chicago, IL

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I can definitely say that I KNOW I will learn a lot attending The Culinary Institute of America. It has the reputation of being the world's premier culinary college, and it definitely deserves that title. You will be taught by some of the most well-educated and the most professionally experienced chefs in the WORLD. Certified Master Chefs, Certified Executive Chefs, Certified Culinary Educator, those titles don't come easy. CIA's instructors are there to and can only offer you the best education there is to offer. With their expertise and your dedication, you can only expect success.
    Will enjoy being here

    Culinary and Baking Clubs, Student Government, Intramural sports, International trips, and not to mention, and BEAUTIFUL, state of the art campus just feet of the Hudson River. Just a snippet of the experience at The Culinary Institute of America...
    Bang for the buck

    It cannot be denied that culinary school is expensive. But what you will learn and experience at The Culinary Institute of America is PRICELESS. The education at The Culinary sets you up for a life of success, so the money is definitely worth it for an individual who is serious about being a professional chef.
    Tips for prospective students

    Seriously think about if this for you. Diligence, tenacity and endurance are a must at The CIA. As long as you stay focused and have goals, and are working endlessly fulfill those goals, you'll go far...
    Great for these types of students

    Dedicated and determined individuals who looking to start or further their education in the culinary field. The CIA is definitely not for the faint at heart, much is to be learned and also endured. Stay determined and the possibilities are endless...

  • Jason from Poughkeepsie, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Great opportunities for networking. Lots of hands on experience with successful professionals in the culinary field. Education in an extensive variety of techniques and with an extensive variety of ingredients.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get experience in the field. Make sure that cooking is what you really want to do and that you understand what working in a kitchen entails.
    Academic Rigor

    Your education is what you make it. If you are willing to put in the work, then you will have no problem. It's cooking, it's not rocket science.
    Dorm Life

    They just built some new townhouses on campus, there are lodges that are quite nice, and there are old school dorms. The kitchens in the dorms are all great, although they do get full on weekends.
    Food and Dining

    Its the culinary institute of America, we eat good food but its prepared by our peers who are not always the best cooks. Its hit and miss. We are also in a transition period right now so there is not a lot of selections available for student dining.
    What to do for fun

    Not much to do for fun. There's the mall and there's the movies. There is not much public transportation to speak of. Lots of events on campus, lots of guest speakers and food demonstrations and contests.
    Bang for the buck

    The chefs are very knowledgeable, we get to use machinery and ingredients that are very high quality, and very expensive.
    Great for these types of students

    Self-motivated, curious, and thick skinned (the chefs will yell at you and call you names and make you feel like crap)
    Clubs and Activities

    lots of food clubs, that's about it. Also there is not much leadership in any of the organizations because AOS students are never on campus for long stretches at a time, you are either new on campus, leaving for externship, or about to graduate.
    Greek Life

    none
    Campus Safety

    very safe campus

  • Anvenette from Frankfort, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Outstanding school. Have opened my eyes and broaden my learning experience. Attending this school I know I will leave with a great should on my head and a world of opportunities ahead of me.
    Tips for prospective students

    Always come open minded. Don't be afraid to ask question, take a risk and get your hands a little dirty ( food wise speaking of course :-) Never take anything for granted and cherish and learn from every experience that comes your way because they will help make a better you in the future
    Academic Rigor

    Challenging but very rewarding in the end
    Dorm Life

    You'll meet many people from all over the world that will become your rock while you attending.
    Food and Dining

    Amazing not only do you get to cook for your peers but you also get to eat with they produce.
    What to do for fun

    Between the contest, festivities hosted by the school there's hiking, multiple sports, club,rec center and many more activities around that will never leave you with down time
    Clubs and Activities

    Variety of clubs that will kept you coming back for more
    Campus Safety

    security cameras where you would need them the most especially parking lots along with post with phone in the to use to call in case of emergency or assistance

  • Andrea from Utica, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The Culinary Institute of America is the premiere culinary school. They encourage hard work and excellence. They set you on a path of success.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared for what is to come. It is alot of hard work and dedication. Make the most of what is offered to you.
    Academic Rigor

    You must be on top of your game. Keep up with studying and homework assignments. It may seem like alot of work but if you buckle down it will be worth it.
    Dorm Life

    I did not reside at the dorms, however I have seen them and it is just like any other college for the most part. As you progress in school the options become better.
    Food and Dining

    Part of the classes is to serve other students. there are many options for meals, all made by fellow students.
    What to do for fun

    There are many historical places in the area. If you venture out a little ways you will find cute shops and great restaurants.
    Bang for the buck

    It is definitely not cheap to attend this college. I have paid out of pocket since I started. In the end it is definitely worth the money. You get what you pay for.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are clubs that you are able to join. Although, I would suggest concentrating on studies until you feel confident that you are able to participate without it effecting your grades.
    Campus Safety

    Campus safety is always around and ready to help.

  • Chelsea from NJ

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Culinary Institute of America is the best school for learning the art of culinary. The professors are Chefs that enjoy teaching the skills that they learned while in the industry and help the students to achieve their goals. The school has a walk in tutoring center to help students which can be a great asset when you just cant seem to get lesson right.
    Tips for prospective students

    The biggest tip is to keep communication open, whether it is your professor or your roommate.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes are intense and fast paced. Tests and quizzes are a constant.
    Food and Dining

    If you live on campus, you are required to pay for the meal plan. A good thing and a bad thing. Yes you get fed, yes the meals can be top quality, but you are eating the food that the classes make and they are not always the best.
    What to do for fun

    Biking, hiking, movies, dances, swimming, mall shopping, trips to NYC, school has group events that have discount prices.

  • Zakiya from Oakland, FL

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The Culinary Institute of America is a great college to go to for Culinary Arts. The skills and techniques that you are taught is something you will not learn in typical culinary schools. They push you to try your hardest and help you produce the best product.
    Tips for prospective students

    For prospective students I would suggest that they get as much experience in the kitchen before entering the school. The more experience the student has before coming to school the better off they will be.
    Academic Rigor

    The school does challenge you and you are always tested on what you are learning in the kitchen and if you do not pass the test the chefs will work with you to help you pass for the next time. Every test isn't easy so you need to study and continue to practice.
    Dorm Life

    The dorm life is typical to any other dorm life. The dorms are clean and you usally have up to 1 other roommate. Freshman's are usually placed in one dorm while everyone else is scattered. The dorms are not huge compared to other college campuses.
    Food and Dining

    Food at the school is cooked by the students and is always usually good. But you also have to remember that the students that are cooking for you it is a class for them and they are also learning so things may not always come out how you expect them to. The school also have 5 different restaurant which revolve around the students cooking for the public, and all 5 restaurant are wonderful.
    What to do for fun

    The school offers several different activites such as going to the mall, theme parks, white water rafting, skiing, bowling, rollerblading etc. Around the area there isn't much to do but New York City is just a train ride away.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for anyone who wants to major in culinary or baking and pastry arts
    Clubs and Activities

    Our school has any club you can think of and if there isn't a club you are interested in you can start your own if you have enough members to be in the club with you.
    Greek Life

    There is no greek life.

  • Emily from Orange, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    features state-of-the-art facilities and chefs who have worked extensibly in the field. i have learned so much in only half a semester and it is absolutely worth the tuition. also love that i can take liberal arts classes for a well-rounded degree.
    What to do for fun

    st. helena is a small town but there are many on-campus groups and volunteer events and you are very close driving into san francisco. endless amazing places to eat and drink throughout the valley.
    Bang for the buck

    absolutely worth the tuition rate!
    Great for these types of students

    great for students who like learning while doing and working with their hands.

  • Caitlin from Tampa, FL

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    What is the best thing about living n campus?

  • Jordan from Stafford, VA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have learned so much here, the CIA is truly what I knew it was going to be, and that is everything and more. I love going to classes here, because the Chefs know all that there is to know about the industry to teach you to better yourself, and be the best you possibly can be in the workforce.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love being here in Hyde Park, the whole area is just great. It is so historically influenced and has many different restaurants to explore and pick apart. Aside from the school offering many different clubs and places to socialize, the campus is very nice, and the people are even nicer.
    Bang for the buck

    It is worth every penny. No other explanation needed. :)
    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely keep on top of your school work, and always know what is happening 2-3 days in advance. Preparation is everything here, just as it is out in the real world.
    Great for these types of students

    Yes. CIA is one of a kind.

  • Ashleigh from Orange, MA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments