First-Time Students

Welcome, First-Time Student!

Congratulations on your decision to attend Cincinnati State. As a first-time student, you have never attended Cincinnati State before. This means you have not previously come to Cincinnati State, either to follow a degree or certificate program (“degree-seeking”) or to take one or more classes (“non-degree-seeking”).

There are several steps you must take before you can begin taking classes.

Do you want to take a class or two?

If yes, then you must simply complete a “Non-Degree” form and follow the instructions on it. You can access the form here.

Do you want to earn an associate’s degree or certificate?

If yes, then you must be admitted to the College before you can begin taking classes at Cincinnati State.

If you are a high school graduate or have a high school equivalence (GED), you are eligible for admission. We suggest that you apply early. This means that you should begin the admission process six to eight weeks in advance of the term you plan to attend Cincinnati State. This will allow the time needed to facilitate transcript requests, process financial aid, and advise you on your academic pursuits. Note that admission to the College is based on the policy “first-come, first-qualified, first-served.” Applicants are notified by mail regarding acceptance.

Take these three easy steps for admission to Cincinnati State:

1. Submit an online Application for Admission. There is no application fee. A $10 nonrefundable admission fee will be billed at your first registration. Remember—apply early!
    
2. Request that your high school guidance counselor send high school  directly to Cincinnati State, Office of Admission Records. Hand-carried or faxed transcripts are not accepted.
   
   If you are a college graduate, there is no need to have your high school transcript mailed to Cincinnati State; simply have an official copy of your college transcript mailed to the college.
3. For each college or university that you have attended and would like to have credit transferred to Cincinnati State, request that the college or university send an official transcript to the Office of Admission. An official evaluation of your transcript will be conducted by the Office of the Registrar once you have been fully admitted and met with your advisor.
4. If you have a GED, send, bring, or fax a copy of the GED scores to the Office of Admission Records.
   
   Address:
   Office of Admission Records
   Room 181
   Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
   3520 Central Parkway
   Cincinnati, Ohio 45223
    
5. Take the COMPASS® placement test for mathematics, writing, and reading. This is required of all new students who are seeking a degree or certificate. The test results assist your advisors in helping you succeed. Find out more about COMPASS testing at Cincinnati State.

Have you attended a Get There^SM college information session at Cincinnati State yet?

You can check out Cincinnati State by attending a Get There college information session, held every Tuesday at 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on the main campus. This is a great opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about programs, financial aid, co-op education, and much more.

If you’re interested in the culinary arts, you are invited to attend the special Get There session held at the Midwest Culinary Institute (MCI) on the main campus the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Sign up now to attend a Get There session. A reservation is not required, but we’d appreciate hearing from you.

Got questions?

Please take a minute or two to check out the Admissions FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). If you still have questions, contact us. We’d like to help.

For more information about admission to Cincinnati State, please contact us. We are happy to help.