Admissions

FIRST TIME COLLEGE

Dream big. Set goals. Take action. Your journey starts here.

Any journey starts with a single step. And we are excited that you are about to take yours towards academic and professional success. We recognize that today’s job market demands both hands-on experience and subject matter expertise. That’s why we offer a different approach to education, one that goes above and beyond the traditional, 4-year college experience. Our skills-based, career-focused programs are designed to give you the capabilities and confidence you need to not only earn your degree, but thrive once you are out in your chosen field.

We understand that navigating the higher education learning environment can be challenging. With our dedicated Admissions Advisors, Student Services Advisors, and Career Services Advisors, we ensure that you have the support you need to reach your potential.

Start your success story today. Apply now to join a community of industry leaders, innovators, and ambitious students who are breaking down barriers and turning possibilities into realities.

Enrollment Deadline: August 9th, 2025
Step One

Book an Appointment

Kick off your CIAT journey and connect one-on-one with one of our expert Admissions Advisors. Your advisor will learn about you and help you determine which program path is right for your unique academic, financial, and professional goals.

Step Two

Apply Online

With our streamlined application process, applying online is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Jumpstart your path to earning your degree by taking 5-10 minutes to fill out our simplified online application. If you run into any questions during your application process, our team is standing by, ready to help.

Step Three

Schedule Financial Aid Consultation

Explore your financial aid options with dedicated guidance and support. When you schedule a financial aid consultation, you’ll be matched with a dedicated Financial Aid Advisor who can help you create an education plan that aligns with your priorities.

Step Four

Submit Enrollment Documentation

Submit a copy of your high school diploma and supplemental materials to CIAT’s Office of Admissions. Additional documentation may include your GED, DD-214, and college transcripts. Once your documents are submitted, you’re ready to enroll and start your CIAT journey.

Admissions FAQs

First Time College

At CIAT, we take a skills-based, career-focused approach to education. Our programs are designed to provide you with the practical, hands-on experience employers seek beyond just the theoretical knowledge you'd get at a typical university. You'll graduate with specialized capabilities and industry-relevant certifications to thrive in your chosen field.

We understand that navigating higher education can be daunting, especially for students new to the college experience. That's why we provide comprehensive student support services, including dedicated Admissions Advisors, Student Services Advisors, and Career Services Advisors. They'll work closely with you every step of the way to ensure you have the guidance, resources, and confidence to reach your full potential.

Affording college is a significant concern for many first-time students. At CIAT, we're committed to making your education accessible and affordable. In addition to accepting federal financial aid, we also offer a variety of scholarships, grants, and flexible payment plans. Our financial aid experts will help you explore all your options to create a personalized funding strategy.

Many of our career-focused programs can be completed in 3.5 years or less. We understand the importance of getting you into the workforce quickly. Our accelerated, year-round schedule allows you to earn your degree faster without sacrificing the quality of your education.

Experiential learning is a core part of our curriculum. Through classroom projects, simulations, labs, and other real-world applications, you'll have the chance to apply your newfound knowledge and skills in practical, industry-relevant settings. This gives you a significant competitive advantage when entering the job market.

The first step is to connect with one of our Admissions Advisors. They'll learn about your unique goals and needs and help you determine the right program path. From there, you can quickly complete our streamlined online application, submit any required documents, and explore financial aid options - all with personalized guidance.

College Transfer

CIAT accepts up to 75% of eligible credits earned from previous institutions, including community colleges, technical schools, and 4-year universities. Our admissions team will evaluate your official transcripts to determine how many credits can be transferred to your desired program.

In addition to standard college coursework, we also accept credits earned through military training, industry certifications, and general education platforms like CLEP, Straighterline, and Sofia Learning. We aim to help you maximize the value of your past educational investments.

We understand the importance of timely assessment of your eligible transfer credits. That's why our transfer credit evaluation process is fast and efficient, usually completed within 24-48 hours of receiving your transcripts.

No problem! We're experienced in reviewing transcripts from multiple institutions and determining the optimal way to apply your accumulated credits toward your degree program at CIAT. Our advisors will work closely with you to ensure a smooth transfer process.

Absolutely! We have a dedicated Transfer Scholarship and other resources like flexible payment plans to help make your education affordable. Our financial aid experts will collaborate with you to identify all the available funding opportunities.

The process is simple. Start by requesting a transfer credit evaluation from our admissions team. Once we've reviewed your transcripts, you can complete our streamlined online application. Our admissions advisors are here to assist you if you need any guidance.

You can bypass those courses entirely if you've already completed your general education requirements at a previous institution. We'll work with you to determine which credits can be transferred to provide the most efficient path to your degree.

Working Adult

Our 100% online, accelerated degree programs are designed to provide maximum flexibility for working adults. With 5-week courses, you can focus on one subject at a time and complete your program at your own pace without sacrificing your job or other commitments.

Absolutely! CIAT offers challenge exams that allow you to translate your industry certifications, professional licenses, and relevant job experience into college credits. This can help you save time and money on your degree.

Our accelerated, 5-week courses enable you to move through your program expeditiously. Depending on your schedule and the number of credits you can transfer, you can earn your degree in 1-2 years. We'll work closely with you to create a customized academic plan.

The admissions process for our online programs is tailored to working adults. In addition to your previous education and work history, we evaluate factors like your motivation, time management skills, and alignment with your career goals. Acceptance is based on a holistic application review and a mandatory technical assessment.

We understand that cost is a significant consideration for working students. We offer competitive tuition, generous scholarship opportunities, and flexible payment plans. Our financial aid experts will work with you one-on-one to create an affordable education plan.

CIAT has multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing you to begin your program when it's most convenient. Our rolling admissions process means you don't have to wait for a specific semester to enroll.

Military Students

At CIAT, we understand active duty service members' and veterans' unique challenges and demands. That's why we offer flexible, 100% online programs that can be completed at your own pace, no matter where you're stationed. We also provide dedicated military student support services and accept various military tuition assistance and benefits.

CIAT proudly offers military tuition assistance and benefits to service members in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. This includes GI Bill® benefits, Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E), VA STEM Scholarship, VA Yellow Ribbon Program, Active Duty Tuition Assistance, MyCAA Scholarship Programs, and more. Our financial aid experts will work with you to maximize your available funding.

We understand the challenges of attending in-person classes for active duty and deployed service members. That's why we offer a Hybrid Campus Plan, where you only need to attend your final exam session at our National City campus. All other coursework can be completed 100% online.

Whether advancing your military career or transitioning out, CIAT is dedicated to helping you reach your professional goals. Our career-focused programs, small class sizes, and personalized career counseling services ensure you graduate with the skills, competencies, and confidence to thrive in the civilian workforce.

Yes, CIAT offers a variety of exclusive scholarships and grants for active duty, veterans, and military spouses, including the GI Bill®, VA STEM Scholarship, VA Yellow Ribbon Program, MyCAA Scholarship, and more. Our financial aid experts will work with you to identify all the funding opportunities for which you qualify.

CIAT has multiple start dates throughout the year to accommodate your schedule. Our rolling admissions process means you don't have to wait for a specific semester to enroll. Once you connect with our military admissions advisors, they'll quickly guide you through the application and enrollment steps.

In addition to our flexible online programs, military students at CIAT also have access to a range of dedicated support services. This includes academic advising, disability counseling, career counseling, and a community of fellow military-affiliated students and faculty. We're here to ensure your success every step of the way.

Returning Students

We understand that life sometimes gets in the way of your academic goals. If you previously withdrew, were dropped, or were dismissed from your CIAT program, you can petition for consideration of re-enrollment. Our admissions team will work with you to understand the circumstances and determine the best path forward.

<p>The re-enrollment process includes:</p>

<ol class="flex flex-col gap-4">

<li>1. Schedule an appointment with an admissions representative to discuss your renewed academic goals.</li>

<li>2. Completing a new enrollment application and signing the Gainful Employment Disclosures.</li>

<li>3. Submitting a 250-word essay detailing your goals, how CIAT can help you achieve them, and how you'll address any previous obstacles.</li>

<li>4. Completing a formal interview with the Director of Admissions.</li>

</ol>

The CIAT management team will review your re-admission application, previous academic history, attendance, and reason for departure. Each case is evaluated individually - prior admission does not guarantee re-admission. The final decision will be made in writing within 10 business days.

If your re-enrollment is approved, any coursework you completed with a grade of "C" or better will be transferred to your new enrollment if you re-enroll within 12 months of your withdrawal.

Yes. Suppose you're an active-duty service member who had to withdraw due to deployment or other service requirements. In that case, we'll waive the formal re-admission interview and essay steps to make the process easier for your transition back.

Our rolling admissions process means you don't have to wait for a specific semester to re-enroll. Once you complete the re-admission requirements, you can start your program at the next available term.

Have more questions? Reach out today and admissions advisor will answer any other questions you have!

Request Info

Earn up to $15K in Scholarships!

Take the first step to receive a personalized financial plan that complements your education and career goals. Get instant access to complete program details including tuition rates, career paths, and more. Your personal Admissions Advisor will connect with you to help you through the process.

$15K in Scholarships

Ready to Get Started?

Request an appointment with one of our Admissions Advisors for personalized guidance on building your education plan. You’ll be able to book an appointment instantly for a time that fits your schedule.

Enrollment Deadline - August 9th, 2025

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California Institution

401 Mile of Cars Way #100, National City, CA 91950

New Mexico Institution

1717 Louisiana Blvd., NE., Suite 208 Albuquerque, NM, 87110

Phone

(877) 559-3621

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California Institute of Applied Technology has shared ownership and management of two distinct institutions. California Institute of Applied Technology located in California, and California Institute of Applied Technology located in New Mexico.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. CIAT is approved to offer VA benefits. *Financial aid is available for those who qualify. *Students are encouraged to take certification exams while actively enrolled in their Certificate or Degree program. Unlimited certification exam attempts expire 180 days after graduation. Select exams are not eligible for unlimited retakes - see certification exam policy for details. Certifications or courses may change to address industry trends or improve quality