New Student

Don’t worry! We have a free online tool called Focus 2 to help you explore careers, majors, and goals. Just click on the link to learn more and get started.

Complete the online Main Application.

There is no fee when you submit your application. A $15 non-refundable admission fee will be charged to your first semester’s tuition statement.
Priority Deadline for Fall 2026 is July 1, 2026. If your completed application with required transcripts are received by July 1, you are guaranteed admission. While the application remains open past that date, do not delay!  Admitted students are required to meet with an academic advisor to schedule classes, and appointments fill quickly in August.  The full semester begins Monday, August 24, 2026.

Please note that admission to the College does not admit you to all health care programs. Many programs in the Health and Public Safety division have special admission requirements and a separate application process.

ID Verification

Upon completion of your application, you may be required to complete Identity Verification.

If you consent to the online verification through Stripe, the following parameters apply:

Your photo ID must include the following:

• Full legal name that matches the name you entered on your application
• Date of birth that matches what you entered on your application
• Photograph of you that matches the photo taken during the verification process

Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Passport
• Passport card
• Driver license
• State issued ID card
• Resident Permit ID / U.S. Green Card
• Border Crossing Card
• Child ID Card
• NYC Card
• U.S. Visa
• Tribal ID Card
• Consular ID Card

If you would prefer to bring your ID in person, the following parameters apply:

You must bring your identification to:

Cincinnati State Welcome Center
3520 Central Parkway, ATLC 001
Cincinnati, OH 45223
Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Additional forms of identification accepted in person include:

All forms listed above and also:

• Student ID
• Work ID
• Military ID
• Utility bill

Contact your high school and ask them to send an official copy of your transcript to the Cincinnati State Office of Admissions. If you have a GED, use the link to request your scores be sent to Cincinnati State.

If you earned college credit or completed College Credit Plus or Dual Credit coursework through another college or university (not Cincinnati State), request an official transcript from each college/university you attended.

Most high schools and colleges have an online transcript request process.  Search for “transcripts” and you will probably be directed to login to your student portal or referred to the HS Guidance or college’s Registrar’s Office.

Cincinnati State must receive your official transcript directly from each institution.  Transcripts may be sent directly from the school to Cincinnati State, Office of Admissions, 3520 Central Parkway, ATLC Suite 001, Cincinnati, OH 45223-2690. We also accept high school transcripts if sent directly from a school official via email (adm@cincinnatistate.edu) or fax (513-569-1562).

Home School transcripts must be accompanied by a copy of the Excused Absence for Home Education Letter the student received from their local school district. Students home-schooled outside of Ohio must submit official excused absence documentation provided by the state or complete a self-certification .

Request AP scores to be sent to  Cincinnati State

We encourage you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance. Apply early for your best chance to receive state aid.

Learn More About Financial Aid 

Please allow two weeks for Admissions to process all documents and send you a letter of admission to the College. Once admitted, you will receive next steps and instructions for orientation, academic advising, and registering for classes.