Welcome

Cincinnati State is committed to your success. Once admitted to the College, we encourage you to complete these activities prior to the start of your first semester of classes. International students should also visit the International Student Affairs page for additional steps.

Step 1: Activate Your MyCState Student Portal

You will receive a separate email from us indicating your CState username and student ID number. When you receive that, you can follow the instructions in the email and below to activate your account.

To activate your account, Follow these steps:

  • Go to MyCState (https://livecincinnatistate.sharepoint.com/).
  • Follow the prompts to set up your security information for Cincinnati State email, portal, and network access. Note: Use your full email address in the Email or Username box.
  • If you need assistance with your password or have login issues, please call the IT Help Desk at 513-569-1234 #1 between 8am and 4:30pm M-F.  

From MyCState, you have access to the online tools Self-Service, Surgemail, Starfish, and Blackboard. View the New Student Orientation for videos on how to utilize these online tools.

Step 2: Complete Your Online New Student Orientation

Click here to access the New Student Orientation, then log in as a student and follow the prompts. When you finish orientation, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you.

Step 3: Register for Welcome Day

Click here to register for a Welcome Day, where you can tour campus, visit the bookstore, get your ID card, learn about student services, and more.

If you don’t see dates listed for your starting semester, check back closer to the start of the term.

Step 4: Mandatory Advising for Courses Registration

Meeting with an academic advisor is required for new and returning students.

You can schedule an appointment with your advisor by following the steps listed below:

  1. Log into your MyCstate Account (same log in and password used when activating your MyCstate Account in Step 1).
  2. Find the “Starfish” tile.
  3. Find a time and schedule with an advisor in your “Success Network”.

If you are unable to schedule an appointment online, please contact your division to set up an appointment with your advisor:

Step 5: Apply and Confirm Your Financials 

Visit the Financial Aid webpage for information and submit the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov. Use Cincinnati State School code 010345 to have your information forwarded to CState. The FAFSA is available each Fall for the following academic year.

  • The 2026-27 FAFSA will be available by December 2025 for the following academic year.

If you have questions about your financial aid status, contact Financial Aid via phone or text to 513-569-1530, fam@cincinnatistate.edu, or visit ATLC 105 on the Clifton Campus.

Visit the Self-Service webpage for additional information on how to understand your award and billing information within your personal account.

Questions about in-state tuition, tuition reciprocity, or residency guidelines? 

Contact the Office of the Registrar before registering for classes:
Phone: (513) 569-1522
Email: registraroffice@cincinnatistate.edu

Step 6: Check Out These Resources

New Student Checklist
Resource Guide

Academic Calendar
Bookstore
Campus Technology
Career Center
Computer Recommendations and Loaner Program
CState Accelerate
Disability Services
Honors Program
Metro Discount Pass
Online Learning Student Resources
Selective Admission – For select healthcare majors
Scholarships
Scholarship – Choose Ohio First

Self-Service
Student Support Services
Surge Card (ID)
Transfer Center – Connecting you with our partner institutions
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and Fees – How to make an online payment
Tuition Residency Guidelines
Veteran Student Affairs