MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
The following scholarships are awarded by the CIA based on merit:
High-Impact Leader Scholarships
The CIA seeks students who have demonstrated academic excellence and will go on to become leaders in the foodservice industry. High-Impact Leader Scholarships will be awarded to students identified through the admissions process. A separate scholarship application is not necessary. These scholarships will be renewable annually with a grade point average of 3.2 or better.
National Student Organization Scholarships
(For students who are members of SkillsUSA, Prostart, or FCCLA)
- 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 3.2 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)
First Generation Inner-City Scholarships
The CIA offers scholarship assistance 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 financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA, and are renewable annually with a GPA of 3.0 or better. No application is necessary.
Students are automatically considered for this scholarship based upon the information they provide on their application for admission. If you think you may qualify, be sure to fill out your CIA application completely, including all optional information.
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, $500 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.
SAT/ACT Achievement Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students with SAT scores of 550 or better in Math and 550 or better in Critical Reading or ACT scores of 20 or better in Math and 20 or better in English. Qualifying students will receive a one-time, $2,000 scholarship for their first semester in our degree programs. To be eligible for the SAT/ACT Achievement Scholarship, students must submit their official scores with their completed application for admission.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities >>