Application Process

This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.cincinnatistate.edu.

Application for Admission Requirements

First-Time Student requirements:

  • Complete an online Application for Admission.
  • Submit an official high school transcript. The transcript must be mailed directly to the Office of Admission from the institution. Hand-carried, emailed, or faxed copies are not accepted. High school seniors may submit a high school transcript before graduation as part of qualifying for scholarships, but must also submit an official final transcript after graduation.
  • Applicants who are not high school graduates must submit a state-approved alternative to high school graduation, such as scores from the General Educational Development (GED) test. This document may be sent by postal mail, email, or fax, or may be hand-carried to the Office of Admission.
  • Applicants who have completed college work at a regionally accredited institution must also submit an official transcript. The transcript must be mailed directly to the Office of Admission from the institution. If a degree is earned from a regionally accredited college, the high school transcript is waived.
  • Applicants must show evidence of English and math placement. This requirement may be satisfied by submitting ACT/SAT test scores completed within the past 2 years from date of admission, submitting evidence of college coursework, or by taking the Cincinnati State Placement Test (see Placement Testing elsewhere in this catalog for details).
  • A $15 non-refundable admission fee is charged to the student’s first registration bill. Cincinnati State does not charge a fee when the admission application is submitted.

Home-Schooled Student requirements:

  • Complete an online Application for Admission.
  • Submit a notarized letter from the parent detailing the duration and the content of the student’s home-school experience.
  • Submit a diploma and transcript from a recognized home-schooling association or a state diploma based on the GED.
  • Applicants must show evidence of English and math placement. This requirement may be satisfied by submitting ACT/SAT test scores completed within the past 2 years from date of admission, submitting evidence of college coursework, or by taking the Cincinnati State Placement Test (see Placement Testing elsewhere in this catalog for details).
  • Applicants who have completed college work at a regionally accredited institution must also submit an official transcript. The transcript must be mailed directly to the Office of Admission from the institution.  If a degree is earned, the high school transcript is waived.

International Student requirements:

Non-U.S. citizens who have been granted the status of immigrant, permanent resident, or refugee by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services may be admitted on the same basis as U.S. citizens.

  • International students must meet the College admission requirements of U.S. citizens, including completing an online Application for Admission.
  • International students must provide to the Office of the Registrar a copy of applicable documentation (permanent resident card, visa, I-94, etc.) for the application to be processed. International students applying for F-1 visas should apply at least two months before they intend to begin classes at Cincinnati State, and should also:
    • Provide proof of proficiency with the English language with a minimum TOEFL score of 500 (paper) or 61 (Internet-based), sent directly to Cincinnati State from the Educational Testing Service. Cincinnati State’s school code is 1984.
    • Submit an English translation of high school transcripts. If transferring college/university coursework from outside the U.S., student transcript(s) must be translated and evaluated by an official Credential Evaluation Service.
    • Provide proof of adequate financial support. It is estimated that international students need a minimum of $17,542 per year for tuition, books, living expenses, and miscellaneous expenses. There are no scholarships or educational loans available for international students. Submission of a signed and officiated Certification of Finances Form, sent to the attention of the International Student Advisor, is required to verify the availability of sufficient funds to cover the cost of the education while attending Cincinnati State.

After receipt of the above-mentioned documents, and consequent offer of admission, all international students must submit a $3,500 advance tuition deposit fee to the Cincinnati State Cashier’s Office. This deposit is credited to the individual’s account and used only for payment of tuition and fees. The fee covers approximately one semester of tuition. The student must provide for all other expenses, including room, board, books, transportation, and incidental expenses.

Only certain international student visas are eligible for financial aid. Please see the Office of Financial Aid section of the College website to determine eligibility.

An I-20 Form is issued to the student only after the steps described above are completed. For additional information regarding international admission, contact the International Student Advisor at (513) 569-1543, or review the International Students section of the College website.

Non-Degree Seeking Student requirements:

Students who are not seeking a degree or certificate should answer appropriate questions on the online Application for Admission form. More information is available from the Non-Degree Seeking Student section of the College website. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for financial aid.

Returning Student requirements:

Students who have been admitted to Cincinnati State in the past, but have not enrolled in classes for one year or more, should follow these procedures:

  • Be aware that admission documents are maintained for five years after the initial admission date.
  • Previously-admitted students who have not enrolled in any classes for one (1) year must:
    • Resubmit an Application for Admission
    • Applicant may need to take the Placement Test. See the Placement Testing section of this catalog for details as well as possible waivers.
    • Pay a $15 non-refundable admission fee (charged to the student’s first registration bill)
  • Previously-admitted students who are reapplying two (2) years to four (4) years after their prior admission date must:
    • Resubmit an Application for Admission
    • Applicant may need to take the Placement Test. See the Placement Testing section of this catalog for details as well as possible waivers.
    • Pay a $15 non-refundable admission fee (charged to the student’s first registration bill)
  • Previously-admitted students who are reapplying five (5) years after their prior admission date must:
    • Resubmit an Application for Admission
    • Applicants may be asked to resubmit required transcripts  
    • Applicant may need to take the Placement Test. See the Placement Testing section of this catalog for details as well as possible waivers.
    • Pay a $15 non-refundable admission fee (charged to the student’s first registration bill)
  • Students who graduated from Cincinnati State with a degree or certificate, but wish to resume studies at the College, must:
    • Submit a new Application for Admission
    • Applicant may be asked to take the Placement Test since some programs have specific requirements. See the Placement Testing section of this catalog for details as well as possible waivers.
    • Pay a $15 non-refundable admission fee (charged to the student’s first registration bill)

Cincinnati State Email, User ID, and Password

Cincinnati State creates a College email account (also referred to as SurgeMail) for all applicants and students. The College uses the Surge Mail account as the official means of business communication for College information. Applicants and students must review their Surge Mail frequently and consistently to stay current with College communications.

When a student applies to the College, a Student Network Access email will be sent to the applicant within 24 hours of submitting the application. This email message contains the applicant's user identification, SurgeMail email account, and College ID number. The message also contains links to instructions for creating a password.

Social security numbers are not used as an identifier for Cincinnati State student records.

Upon acceptance to the College, students are asked to schedule appointments for required advising and orientation with the applicable academic division.