Admission Overview
Cincinnati State is an open-access, public institution dedicated to the goal of providing each student the maximum opportunity to learn, develop skills, and obtain credentials. Individuals who are high school graduates or have a high school equivalence (GED) are eligible for admission to a Cincinnati State degree or certificate program.
Admission Process
Prospective students must complete an online Application for Admission and submit official transcript(s) (high school and college, if applicable) of their educational progress to date. Applications for admission and supporting documents are processed as received. Cincinnati State supports an open access policy based on a three-semester rolling admission process. Applicants are admitted into a semester when all admission documents are received and processed.
Prospective students should begin the admission process approximately two months prior to the semester when they plan to begin classes. This timeline ensures students can complete all admission steps, including providing transcripts from other schools, processing financial aid requests, and obtaining academic advising and orientation. Applications and supporting documents are accepted after the priority application deadlines (below), but there is no guarantee that the process will be completed in time to begin classes immediately.
Priority Application Deadlines for General Admission
Fall Semester – July 1
Spring Semester – November 1
Summer Semester – March 1
Program Deadlines:
- Some academic programs reach their capacity early and students who are not admitted may be placed on a wait list.
- Students interested in a Midwest Culinary Institute program should apply three months prior to the start of the semester for uniform and supplies.
- Some Health and Public Safety programs have Selective Admission processes that require additional program application steps.
- International Students seeking an I-20 have earlier admission deadlines.
Please note:
- An Application for Admission is valid for one year.
- Required documents for admitted students are maintained for five years after the initial admission date.
- All documents submitted to the Office of Admission become the property of Cincinnati State and will not be returned, forwarded, or copied. If additional copies are needed, please request this information from the issuing institution.
- Non-degree-seeking students and applicants who have not submitted final transcripts are not eligible to receive financial aid and do not qualify for Kentucky or Indiana tuition reciprocity.