CSU Admissions - Applications

Which of the Following Applies to You?

A flippable tile for incoming freshmen. There's information on the application process on the back. There's a button that links to the relevant application at the end of the section.

You've never attended college or all your college credits were earned prior to high school graduation (College Credit Plus or dual-enrollment).

Step 1:

Complete the application for undergraduate admission. Freshmen applicants can apply here through the CSU Application or the Common Application.

Step 2:

Submit the $40 application fee.

*CSU is currently waiving application fees through Fall 2025

Step 3:

Submit official transcripts. Please refer to the FAQ below for information on how to send your transcripts.

Step 4:

CSU is test optional for Admission. Students are encouraged to submit official ACT/SAT results for scholarship consideration.

Step 5:

Once your application is submitted and reviewed, you will receive an admission decision. Respond to your offer and complete these next steps to secure your spot.

CSU App Common App

Transfer Students

Transfer Students

You have taken college credit hours at a 2 or 4-year college after high school graduation or equivalent.

Step 1:

Complete the application for undergraduate admission.

Step 2:

Submit the $40 application fee.

*CSU is currently waiving application fees through Fall 2025

Step 3:

Submit official transcripts from all institutions you have enrolled. If you have earned fewer than 12 semester hours of college credit, a high school or GED transcript is required. Please refer to the FAQ below for details on sending transcripts.

Step 4:

Once your application is submitted and reviewed, you'll receive an admission decision. Respond to your offer and complete these next steps to secure your spot.

Apply Here!

Graduate Students

Graduate Students

You are applying to a master’s, doctoral, graduate certificate or graduate-level non-degree program at CSU.

Step 1:

Complete the CSU graduate application.

Step 2:

Submit your official transcripts.

Step 3:

Submit materials such as letters of recommendation, personal statements, or other documents required by the program or department.

Step 4:

Check your application status through the CSU Graduate Admissions portal.

Important Note:

Selecting a non-degree program means you want to take graduate-level courses without pursuing a credential. Non-degree students aren't eligible for financial aid.

International Students

International Students

You are an international student seeking to study at Cleveland State University for undergraduate or graduate programs.

Step 1:

Complete the international student application for undergraduate or graduate admission through CSU's online portal.

Step 2:

Submit official transcripts from all secondary schools, post-secondary institutions, or universities you have attended.

Step 3:

Provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo, or meet one of the waiver conditions.

Step 4:

Submit a financial statement verifying you have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during your stay in the U.S.

Step 5:

Submit a copy of your passport. Ensure your name appears exactly as in your passport on your application.

Step 6:

Submit the $40 application fee.

*CSU is currently waiving application fees through Fall 2025

Important Notes:

International students may be required to submit additional documents depending on specific programs or visa requirements.

Apply Here!

College Credit Plus

College Credit Plus

You are a student in grades 7-12 who wants to take college courses at CSU while still in middle or high school.

Step 1:

Discuss College Credit Plus with your school counselor to ensure it aligns with your academic goals.

Step 2:

Apply online through the CSU application portal. Make sure to meet the admission deadlines for CCP.

Step 3:

Submit official transcripts and all required CCP authorization forms. Please refer to the FAQ below for information on how to send your transcripts. Standardized test scores or placement testing may be required in order to enroll in certain coursework.

Step 4:

Attend orientation and meet with a CSU advisor to select and register for your courses.

Important Notes:

Be aware of key deadlines and maintain communication with your school counselor and CSU to ensure eligibility and course availability.

Apply Here!

Post-Baccalaureate Students

Post-Baccalaureate Students

You’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree and are seeking to earn another undergraduate degree at Cleveland State University.

Step 1:

Complete the application for undergraduate admission.

Step 2:

Submit the $40 application fee.

*CSU is currently waiving application fees through Fall 2025

Step 3:

Submit official transcripts from all institutions you have enrolled. If you have earned fewer than 12 semester hours of college credit, a high school or GED transcript is required. Please refer to the FAQ below for details on sending transcripts.

Step 4:

Once your application is submitted and reviewed, you'll receive an admission decision. Respond to your offer and complete these next steps to secure your spot.

Apply Here!

Frequently Asked Questions

I already started an application, where do I log back in?What if I'm interested in attending Cleveland State University in another capacity than listed above?

Access our special applications unique to you below:

Undergraduate Non-Degree Applicants: Enroll as a non-degree student. Note: Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid.
Returning to Cleveland State: For students who have not enrolled for three or more consecutive semesters.
Visiting Students: Take courses at Cleveland State and transfer credits to your home institution.

Where do I send my transcripts?

Cleveland State University accepts official transcripts submitted electronically through Naviance, Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, OBOR, or ATC.

All paper transcripts must be submitted in an official sealed envelope. You are required to submit official transcripts from every school that you’ve attended.

You can submit your official paper transcripts through one of two methods:

By Mail:

Cleveland State University
Application Processing Center
2121 Euclid Ave., UN 443
Cleveland, OH 44115

In Person:

Deliver your transcripts in a sealed envelope to the Campus411 All-in-One located in Berkman Hall, Room 116.

Do I need to submit any test scores to be admitted?

First Year Students - CSU is waiving the ACT/SAT test score requirement for admission for Spring, Summer and Fall 2025. Students are welcome but not required to submit official ACT/SAT results for scholarship consideration.
Graduate Students - Check your program's website to determine if a GRE is required. Not all programs require entrance exams. Read the information on admissions requirements by program here.
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) information is available online here. Our institution code is 1221. No program code is required.
- Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) information is available online here. Our institution code is 832-VP-99.
- The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) can be taken on campus through Testing Services.

If I have additional questions, how can I get help?

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Important Dates and Deadlines

Fall 2025 Application Opens:

Fall 2025 FAFSA Opens:

Fall 2025 Freshman Honors Application Opens:

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