Admissions & Financial Aid

The 2010/2011 Student Consumer Information has been updated, it is available and being distributed. Please contact the Financial Aid Department with any questions regarding the updated materials.

Admissions
CALL FOR YOUR FREE CULINARY COUNSELING SESSION

The Culinary Academy of Austin is an enthusiastic school dedicated to offering students the highest quality education. We do this through: small class size, professional instructors with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the industry, plenty of time in the kitchen practicing skills and superior job placement upon graduation. Applicants to the two diploma programs are accepted on a competitive basis. Educational background, experience, and training are all considered in the admissions process. Admission requirements for potential students are listed below:

  • High school diploma and/or GED
  • Under the age of 18 requires written permission from a parent or a guardian and must have completed High School or  received a GED
  • Attestation of High School
  • Tour of the Facility
  • $75.00 registration fee
  • $25.00 tuition fee
  • CAA Admissions Application
  • Application Essay
  • Goals & Evaluation Questionnaire
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Current Resume
  • Student Survey
  • Financial Aid Interview
  • Personal Interview with the Director

Though, culinary experience is not necessary for admission, CAA seeks highly motivated students who understand the rigors and challenges associated with a foodservice career. Successful students possess a positive attitude and demonstrate potential skills and ability demanded by the hospitality industry.

Admissions into the Student At Large are slightly different from above.

  • Tour of the Facility
  • $75.00 Registration Fee
  • $25.00 Seating Fee
  • CAA Admissions Application
  • One Letter of Recommendation
  • Goals Evaluation and Questionnaire
  • Current Resume
  • Financial Aid Interview
  • Personal Interview with the Director

Student-At-Large

A Student-At-Large is defined as a student who is not seeking a Diploma. A Student-At-Large may be accepted for individual courses, programs, or one of the four blocks of the Professional Culinary Arts Program or the Pastry Arts Program.  As a Student-At-Large, that individual would not need to take the tests, be counted for attendance, or fulfill the externship hours requirements of that particular course or program.  Admission into a block, course or program as a Student-At-Large is provisional and evaluated by the School Director on a case-by-case basis.

The Student At Large will not receive a Diploma.  In addition, they are not eligible for financial aid.

To begin the Student At Large process, the student is required to meet with the CAA Representative by scheduling an appointment. The CAA Representative will discuss the program in length.  At that time, the potential student will choose their class of interest and a meeting will be scheduled with the School Director who is the only person who would be able to approve the Student At Large program to include the tuition cost for the potential student.

Financial Aid

Federal Financial Aid
CALL FOR YOUR FREE COUNSELING SESSION CAA offers students Federal Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans through the Title IV programs of the U.S. Department of Education to those who qualify.

Get started right away! The School Code for the Culinary Academy of Austin is 037276.

Please contact the financial aid administrative offices to receive further information at jeannieshore@hotmail.com or 512-451-5743 ext. 302 also Toll Free at 866-552-CHEF (2433)

To begin the process on-line, CLICK ON THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID. info@culinaryacademyofaustin.com. Tours and interviews are by appointment only.

Alternative Loan Programs

Wells Fargo Education Connection/P.L.A.T.O. Career Loan
This program is designed for students attending a trade or proprietary higher education school, looking for additional training to change careers, or working to enhance their current careers.  Visit www.wellsfargo.com to apply now!

CAA Interest Payment Plan
CAA offers a monthly and/or a quarterly payment plan to those who qualify. The interest will be waived for the first three months.  Interest will begin on the 1st day of the fourth month.  The interest rate has a cap of 9%.   A 4.5% rebate for those who qualify. "Rebate not valid to students receiving scholarships or federal funding”.

Scholarships

CAA grants a limited number of scholarships to students who qualify. These scholarships range from $100.00 to $2,000.00.

Please contact the financial aid administrative offices to receive further information at jeannieshore@hotmail.com or 512-451-5743 ext. 302.

Veterans Education Benefits

Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Contact your local VA Regional Office for additional assistance by dialing their toll-free number, 1-888-442-4551 or you can visit website at www.gibill.va.gov.

Texas Rehabilitation Commission

The Vocational Rehabilitation Program helps people who have physical or mental disabilities prepare for, find or keep employment. Gaining skills needed for a career, learning how to prepare for a job interview or getting the accommodations needed to stay employed are just a few of the ways this program helps people with disabilities increase productivity and independence.

Call (800) 628-5115 or locate the rehabilitation services field office nearest or visit their website at www.dars.state.tx.us.

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