The Culinary Institute of America SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At the test-optional Culinary Institute of America, scores are uncommon, so a strong result is a strategic choice rather than a requirement. If your SAT is approaching 1180 or higher, or your ACT is 23+, submitting it can add useful academic evidence alongside a GPA around 3.3.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
The Culinary Institute of America facts and stats
The Culinary Institute of America enrolls about 3,011 undergraduates. Culinary Institute of America has a 70% freshman retention rate and a 53% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1.
Hyde Park, NY
How do your scores compare at Culinary Institute of America?
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Key The Culinary Institute of America application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
November 15
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Culinary Institute of America is test-optional, follow this plan only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and an October retake if needed, since October is typically the last fall testing window that can get scores in by the November 15 Early Action deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
Culinary Institute of America is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $36,900, before factoring in financial aid, scholarships, housing, meals, and other expenses.
At The Culinary Institute of America, tuition and fees plus room and board total about $50,700 per year. Because financial aid details are not listed here, students should use the school’s net price calculator to estimate costs based on family finances and eligibility. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of about $51,200.
Student life at The Culinary Institute of America
67% of undergrads live on campus
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
Flushing, NYAcceptance rate: 85%
SAT: 909–1293
ACT: 16–25
Adelphi University
Garden City, NYAcceptance rate: 65.9%
SAT: 1120–1330
ACT: 24–30
Acceptance rate: 77.5%
Acceptance rate: 100%
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