Scholarships
FAFSA First
Before you apply for scholarships, make sure you fill out the FAFSA.
Institutional & Foundation Scholarships
The Cincinnati State Institutional and Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to new and current students. The amount of the scholarship and the eligibility criteria vary, but may include academic merit or financial need. The online scholarship application opens each year on November 1 and the deadline is February 15.
- Students applying after the February 15 date are considered only if scholarship funds are available after first offers of scholarships are completed.
- Priority consideration goes to students who applied prior to the deadline.
CCP Presidential Scholarship
The CCP Presidential Scholarship program is for first-time students who have earned credit hours at Cincinnati State in the College Credit Plus (CCP) program.
- Complete admissions application to Cincinnati State in an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or Certificate (financial aid eligible). Students are automatically considered for this scholarship once the admissions process is completed
- Must have at least 3 CCP credits through Cincinnati State with a 2.5 GPA
- Must be attending Cincinnati State immediately after high school graduation
- Priority given to students with 15 or more CCP credits through Cincinnati State
Up to $1000 per semester with a maximum of $2000 for the academic year.
This scholarship is renewable for up to four semesters or graduation, which ever is first, provided the student earns 20 credit hours in an academic year and maintains a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.
Students are notified of scholarship offers through email and postage mail.
Choose Ohio First Scholarship will be available starting in the Fall 2027 to first time Cincinnati State students. The application for Fall 2027 will be available December 1, 2026 until February 15, 2027.
CState Honors Program
Interested in joining the Honors Program? Learn more information about the requirements and scholarship opportunities here:
External Scholarship Resources
Students can apply to external (or “outside”) scholarship programs, not affiliated with Cincinnati State, to help cover the cost of their education. Outside scholarship programs vary widely in eligibility requirements and award amounts. Many organizations, such as churches and religious organizations, civic and community groups, and fraternities and sororities, provide scholarships to support college education.
In some cases, employers may provide financial assistance to employees or their family members who are pursuing a college education. Check with your supervisor or the Human Resources department in your workplace to learn if educational assistance is available.
You can search for other external scholarship opportunities at these scholarship database websites:
The Ohio Reach Scholarship supports youth that were in the custody of a public children service agency for at least one day after the age of 13.
“Getting a scholarship allowed me to take out less financial aid, which will lower my overall student loan debt. I was able to focus more on school and not worry about a large loan waiting for me afterwards.”
— Amber R.