Skip to content

Culinary Institute of America

Hyde Park, New York · Private

92%acceptance rate
970–1195SAT middle 50%
17–25ACT middle 50%
$36,015average net price

Culinary Institute of America admitted 92% of 2,161 applicants (IPEDS, fall 2023). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 970–1195 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 49% of students graduate within six years.

Your chances at Culinary Institute of America

Enter a score to see whether Culinary Institute of America is a reach, target or likely school for you.

or
Likely

Based on the admit rate (92%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.

A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.

Application deadlines

Culinary Institute of America’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:

Early action
November 15, 2026
Early action II
December 31, 2026
Regular decision
February 15, 2027

The application fee is $50, and Culinary Institute of America accepts the Common App fee waiver.

Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Culinary Institute of America’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.

What it costs

Full price with housing is $59,130 a year. After grants, students paid $36,015 on average.

Average price after grants, by family income:

  • $0–30k$25,448
  • $30–48k$29,504
  • $48–75k$30,077
  • $75–110k$34,696
  • $110k+$36,628

Quick answers

What is Culinary Institute of America’s acceptance rate?

Culinary Institute of America admitted 92% of applicants: 1,983 of 2,161 (IPEDS, fall 2023).

When is Culinary Institute of America’s early action deadline?

For 2026–27, early action is due November 15, 2026, early action II is due December 31, 2026, and regular decision is due February 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.

What SAT score do you need for Culinary Institute of America?

The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 970 to 1195, with a median around 1080. A score at or above 1080 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.

How much is Culinary Institute of America’s application fee?

The application fee is $50 for 2026–27, and Culinary Institute of America accepts the Common App fee waiver.

Does Culinary Institute of America have supplemental essays?

Yes. For 2026–27, Culinary Institute of America asks 1 question of its own on top of the main essay (one personal statement, 200–500 words). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.

Not sure which colleges fit?

A Clarity Prep mentor builds a balanced list with your student and checks in every week until it’s done.

Writing your essays? See Culinary Institute of America’s supplemental essays and get a free essay review.

Students also look at