CIA Scholarships

You will be automatically considered for the following scholarships as part of the application process for the 2012–2013 academic year:

Merit Scholarship Program

The college's Merit Scholarship Program gives students the chance to earn additional scholarship dollars based on a value-point system. Points are awarded to students for high school or college GPA, foodservice experience, previous college attendance, extracurricular activities in school, and the level of difficulty of courses. Students do not need to apply for this benefit; they automatically earn the scholarship in an amount to be determined based on accurate, verifiable information provided on the application.

First Generation Inner-City Scholarships

The CIA offers eight full-tuition scholarships (two per enrollment season) to students who were educated in major metropolitan areas of the United States and whose parents did not graduate from college. These scholarships are awarded based on exemplary high school records and achievements, as well as demonstrated financial need. This scholarship is renewable each semester with a 3.0 or better GPA.

If you think you may qualify, be sure to fill out your CIA application completely, including all optional information.

SAT/ACT Achievement Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students in amounts based on their SAT or ACT scores. Students with a total score of 1,000–1,199 on the SAT or 22–26 on the ACT Composite will receive a $1,000 scholarship. A total SAT score of 1,200 or better or ACT Composite score of 27 or better will earn a $2,000 scholarship. These are awarded as one-time scholarships for the first semester of the degree programs. To be eligible, students must submit their official scores with their completed application for admission.

The following CIA scholarships require a separate application:

National Student Organization Scholarships

• Competition Scholarships—Students who compete and place first in national culinary or baking and pastry arts competitions sponsored by SkillsUSA will be offered a full-tuition scholarship to attend The Culinary Institute of America. Students who place second or third in culinary or baking and pastry arts will be offered scholarships of up to $16,000 ($3,500–$4,000 per year). Students who compete and place in national culinary or baking and pastry arts competitions sponsored by Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) will be offered scholarships of up to $16,000 ($2,500–$4,000 per year). Students competing and placing in ProStart national competitions in culinary arts or management will receive scholarships of up to $10,000 ($1,500–$2,500 per year). Successful culinary or baking and pastry arts competitors in select states for all three organizations will be offered scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $12,000 ($1,000–$3,000 per year). All of the aforementioned scholarships will be renewable annually with a GPA of 3.0 or better. All competition scolarships are for secondary level only.
• Officer Scholarships—Scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500 will be offered to officers of SkillsUSA and FCCLA.
• Member Scholarship—NSO Members are eligible to apply for one of 30 non-renewable, $3,000 scholarships. Apply Now! (PDF 129 KB)

The CIA's Alumni Referral Scholarship

The college offers this scholarship to prospective students who are encouraged to apply for admission by a CIA graduate. Qualifying students will receive a one-time, $1,000 scholarship for their first semester in our degree programs. To be eligible for the CIA Alumni Referral Scholarship, students must include a letter of recommendation from the CIA graduate with their application for admission.