Admission Information

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.

Admission Overview

Cincinnati State is an open-access, public institution dedicated to the goal of providing each student the maximum opportunity to develop and learn. Individuals who are high school graduates or have a high school equivalence (GED) are eligible for admission to Cincinnati State.

Campus Information and Visits

Clifton Campus - 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45223

Middletown Campus - 1 North Main Street, Middletown, Ohio, 45042

Harrison Campus - 10030 West Road, Harrison, Ohio, 45030

  • Harrison College Information Sessions are held at the Harrison Campus. Register for an Information Session using the Visit Cincinnati State section of the College website.

Admission Process

Prospective students must complete an online Application for Admission and submit official transcript(s) of their educational progress to date. 

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, completing placement testing, processing financial aid requests, and obtaining academic advising.

Some academic programs reach their capacity early and those who are not admitted may be placed on a waitlist. Some Health and Public Safety programs have selective admission processes that require additional steps.

Applications for admission and supporting documents are processed as received. Cincinnati State supports an open admission policy based on a three-semester rolling admission process. Applicants are admitted into a semester when all admission process steps have been completed.

Admission Deadlines

Fall Semester 2019

Priority Admission Deadline: July 26, 2019
Fall Semester Begins: August 26, 2019

Spring Semester 2020

Priority Admission Deadline: November 2, 2019
Spring Semester Begins: January 6, 2020

Summer Semester 2020

Priority Admission Deadline: March 27, 2020
Summer Semester Begins: May 4, 2020

Priority admission deadlines refer to the last date to begin the admission process. We encourage students to begin the admission process at least two months in advance, but applicants who can quickly secure official documents may be able to complete all application steps (including qualifying for financial aid) in time for the coming semester.

Admission applications and supporting documents are accepted after the priority admission date, but there is no guarantee that the process will be completed in time to begin classes immediately. When the admission process is complete, students are admitted to a degree or certificate program and must meet with an advisor prior to registering for classes.

Some admitted students may be advised to enroll in prerequisite or Academic Foundations courses. These courses are designed to help students develop or strengthen important academic skills that enhance the student’s academic success. Students must complete all prerequisite or Academic Foundation courses in three semesters or one calendar year.

Students who register for classes before the admission process is completed may not receive financial aid, and may not gain the financial benefits of Kentucky or Indiana reciprocity agreements. Therefore, all resulting tuition and fee payments are the responsibility of the student.

Admission Process Notes

  • 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 are not eligible to receive financial aid and do not qualify for Kentucky or Indiana tuition reciprocity.