Culinary Institute of America

School Overview

Culinary Institute of America is located in Hyde Park, NY, 12538. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

Culinary Institute of America has an acceptance rate of 91%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.3.

Culinary Institute of America enrolls 3,011 undergraduate students, creating a mid-sized community where students can explore diverse academic interests while still being recognized by their professors. Approximately 66% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 50%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

The most popular fields of study at Culinary Institute of America include Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (62% of students, median early-career salary: $45,707), Culinary, Entertainment, and Personal Services (26% of students), and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies (12% of students). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.

However, the average net price after financial aid is $30,130, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with Culinary Institute of America's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. Culinary Institute of America combines a diverse range of popular programs, meaningful financial aid to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether Culinary Institute of America is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.