We know it can be tough to figure out what college costs—let alone how to pay for it—but we’re here to make it easy. Start here to get a clear picture of program costs and explore the various financial aid options available. Plus, our college is affordable compared to other choices.
While many colleges mention the cost of tuition, it’s important to consider all the expenses that affect the total cost for a degree. Below, we explain each element to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Tuition
The base cost of your education, covering the instruction for your chosen program. These costs are based on where you live, which can be in one of three places:
- In-state: Ohio residents pay $188.64 per credit hour, which is one of the most affordable options of any college for local students.
- Out-of-state: Students from outside Ohio are charged the base rate plus a non-resident surcharge, reflecting the additional costs for non-residents.
- Kentucky/Indiana Reciprocity Areas: As a resident of Kentucky or Indiana, your tuition bill will state “Out-of-State Tuition.” However, based on tuition reciprocity agreements, you will pay the in-state tuition rate if you live in one of the applicable counties in Kentucky or Indiana.
Please see our tuition & fees page for more information.
Program Fees
These fees are specific to your program and may cover additional resources, services, or specialized equipment necessary for your studies.
Fees include uniform and knife kit, lab, co-op, career services, facilities, registration, technology, and a one-time admission processing fee. Books and supplies are not included.
All fees are subject to change at the discretion of the College.
Course Supplies
Covers additional materials required for your courses, such as textbooks, lab supplies, or other instructional materials.
Lab Fee
Applied to courses with a laboratory component, covering equipment and materials costs used in these hands-on learning environments.
Parking
For on-campus classes, a fee for students needing parking.
Program Costs
At Cincinnati State, we believe in transparency when it comes to the cost of your education. Below is an estimated breakdown of the total cost for the Culinary Arts program:
| Cost | In-State & Reciprocity State | Out-of-State |
| Tuition | $12,073 | $24,146 |
| Lab Fees | $2,750 | $2,750 |
| Other Fees | $1,823 | $1,823 |
| Parking | $300 | $300 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $16,946 | $29,019 |
Costs may vary based on individual factors, such as course, delivery mode, credit hours, semesters, tuition rate, etc. This estimate is based on fall 2024 tuition rates for 6 semesters with full-time enrollment in fall and spring, part-time in summer & parking for 4 semesters. For a personalized estimate of the federal aid you may qualify for, try our Net Price Calculator.
Costs by Semester
No need to worry about paying everything upfront! Your payments will be spread out over the course of your program, with costs broken down by semester.
The payment schedule is based on how long it takes to complete your program, allowing you to manage your expenses as you go, making it easier to budget without the burden of paying a large lump sum.
| Timing | In-State Students | Out-of-State Students |
| Semester 1 | $3,702 | $6,200 |
| Semester 2 | $3,934 | $6,953 |
| Semester 3 | $486 | $863 |
| Semester 4 | $4,454 | $7,472 |
| Semester 5 | $486 | $863 |
| Semester 6 | $3,764 | $6,638 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $16,826 | $28,989 |
When considering the total cost of your education, it’s important to understand that many factors go beyond just tuition. While some colleges may only highlight tuition costs, there are additional expenses that can significantly impact your overall financial commitment.
Additional Fees
These include fees for parking, technology, lab supplies, and even the format of your classes—online courses may have different fee structures compared to in-person classes. By recognizing these factors early on, you can plan more effectively and minimize your costs. Another key aspect that affects your costs is the pace at which you complete your program.
The Pace Of Your Program Matters
Another key aspect that affects your costs is the pace at which you complete your program. The faster you move through your courses with minimal interruptions, the lower your total costs will be. Extended time in the program can lead to additional semesters of tuition and fees, which can increase your overall expenses.
Indirect Costs
In addition to costs paid to the college, you will need to account for any indirect costs, such as costs related to transportation, living and personal expenses and, if needed, a personal computer.
Understanding Tuition: Cost Per Credit Hour
Tuition is based on a cost per credit hour (currently $188.64). To determine the total cost of tuition multiply this cost by the number of credit hours you enroll in. For example, if a credit hour costs $X and you take 15 credit hours in a semester, your tuition for that semester would be $X multiplied by 15.
Comparing Costs Between Colleges
When considering the cost of tuition from one college to another, it’s important to make an apples-to-apples comparison between different institutions. There are two main things to look for: cost per credit hour and fees. At Cincinnati State, we provide a tally of estimated fees and the cost per credit hour is $188.64, which is significantly lower than many other institutions.
By comparing these figures, you can see that Cincinnati State offers a more affordable option.
Why Cincinnati State is a Better Value
Cincinnati State gives you a great education without breaking the bank. In fact, you could save 30-50% on tuition compared to other schools. How? See just some of the reasons below.
Choosing Cincinnati State means you’re making a smart financial decision. You’ll get the high-quality education you need without the heavy debt that often comes with it. With lower tuition, real-world work experience, and the chance to graduate with less debt, Cincinnati State is a great investment in your future.
- Cost per Credit Hour: among the lowest in the region
- Faster: An associate’s degree can be completed in 2 years, placing you into the workforce sooner.
- Bachelor’s Degree for Less: our program allows you to complete your full Culinary and Food Science degree at half the price of university.
Funding Your Education
Financial aid and other funding sources at Cincinnati State encompasses a range of options designed to assist you in covering your education costs. These options include grants, scholarships, student loans, work-study programs, and co-op opportunities.
Each type of aid has its own characteristics, eligibility requirements, and application processes. By understanding and taking advantage of these resources, you can significantly reduce your education costs.
Comparing the Options
| Grants | Scholarships | Student Loans | Work-Study | Co-Op | |
| Description | Need-based aid | Merit and need-based financial awards | Borrowed funds | Paid campus jobs | Paid hands-on experience |
| Repayment Required | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Max Amount | $7,395/yr (Pell) $4,000/yr (FSEOG) | Varies | $5,500 (direct subsidized loans) | Varies | Varies |
| FAFSA Required | Yes | For need-based only | Yes | Yes | No |
| Reapply Yearly | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Who Qualifies | Need-based | Academic merit, talent, or other criteria | Most Students | Need-based | Students in Program |
| Who Provides | Federal/State Government, Institutions | Varies | Federal, State or Private Sources | Funded by Federal Government | Employer |
| Program Specific Options | No | Yes, See Below | Yes | N/A | N/A |
How to Start: FAFSA
The best way to start the process of securing financial aid is by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This application form provided by the federal government determines which types of financial aid you may qualify for, and in what amounts.
We strongly recommend completing your FAFSA application early, as doing so will help you see the options and determine your final out of pocket costs.
Learn more about FAFSA, including instructions on how to apply, timelines, and more.
Scholarships
Scholarships are financial awards given to students based on criteria such as academic merit, need, talent, or other specific requirements. Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid, making them a valuable resource for funding your education.
How to Get a Scholarship
You must apply to be considered for a scholarship, and doing so at Cincinnati State is straightforward. However, it requires careful attention to timing and eligibility criteria. Start by visiting the Cincinnati State Scholarships page to explore the available options. Once you identify the scholarships that may fit your profile, you can submit a single application through the internal scholarship portal. This application is then reviewed by a committee that awards scholarships based on your qualifications — students do not choose specific scholarships, a committee matches them their personal qualification, eligibility and financial need.
Timing is crucial in the scholarship application process. Students have the opportunity to apply for Institutional and Foundation scholarships once a year. The application period opens on November 1 and closes on February 15 for the next academic year, beginning with the fall semester. Students applying after the February 15 date are considered only if scholarship funds are available.
In addition to Institutional and Foundation scholarships, students who qualify, can apply for external scholarships, as well as scholarships under the Choose Ohio First, CState Honors and Ohio Reach programs. See the Cincinnati State Scholarships page for more information.
Program-Scholarships:
- Dean Esposito Memorial Scholarship
- 1Night 12Kitchens Culinary Scholarship
- Hector Boiardi Endowed Scholarship
- Kevin Grabarczyk Memorial Culinary Scholarship
- Marilyn Harris Endowed Scholarship Fund
- Master Chef Kinsella Scholarship
- Scripps Howard Foundation Food Network Endowed Scholarship
- Tatiana deCavel Memorial Annual Scholarship
- Tatiana deCavel Memorial Endowed Scholarship
- The Chaine des Rotsseurs Irwin & Barbara Weinberg Culinary Scholarship
- The Colonel De Stewart Midwest Culinary Scholarship Fund
- Thunderdome Scholarship
- Business Technologies Division Culinary Scholarship
- Milligan’s Maple Culinary Scholarship
- Stephen Wilkens Memorial Scholarship
Grants
Grants are a form of financial aid that typically don’t need to be repaid, making them an excellent option for students seeking to fund their education. At Cincinnati State, we offer several grant opportunities to help make your academic journey more affordable.
Two primary federal grants are available for eligible students:
- Pell Grant
- The Federal Pell Grant is financial aid offered to students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree and who demonstrate financial need through the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The amount offered depends on the student’s need and the number of enrolled credit hours per semester.
- FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
- FSEOG is a federal program that provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students to promote access to postsecondary education. FSEOG grants are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible students enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours. To be considered, student should submit their FAFSA application early.
Other grants are available, each with differing qualification criteria. You must first complete the FAFSA to be eligible.
Loans
When grants and scholarships aren’t enough to cover your educational expenses, loans can help bridge the financial gap. Loans are a form of financial aid that must be repaid with interest, and are available in 4 varieties: federal student and parent loans, as well as loans from private lenders or other organizations.
Learn More about Student Loans
Work Study
The Federal Work Study program (FWS) offers a unique opportunity to earn money while gaining valuable work experience during your education. FWS provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing you to earn money to help pay education expenses.
Co-Ops
A “co-op,” also referred to as experiential learning, is an integral part of the educational experience at Cincinnati State that provides students with hands-on, practical experience in their chosen fields. This approach not only enhances your learning but also allows you to earn money while you study, helping to offset the cost of your education.
| Average Co-op Earnings | $13-$18/hr ($16k-$22k/yr) |
| Required for certificate/degree completion | Yes |
| Number of co-ops required | 2 full-time or 4 part-time |
| Total co-op hours required | 1,200 (40hrs x 15wks x 2) |
| Credit hours earned | 4 hours |
For example, if you participate in a co-op program, you can earn between $16,000 and $22,000 over the course of your placements. These earnings can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses for your education, making it a more affordable investment in your future. To learn more about how experiential learning can benefit you, visit the Experiential Learning page.
Support Beyond Financial Aid
There may be other ways for you to save on costs. Talk with your advisor to see if there are additional programs and resources available to you.
Student Support Services
A Federally-funded program that provides qualifying students with help to successfully navigate through college and complete their graduation requirements. US citizens who are first-generation college students, qualify for federal aid or have a disability are eligible to apply.
Textbooks
Instead of a purchasing a new book, CState Bookstore offers discounts with used books, digital books and rentals.
Online courses may have an embedded e-book that will be included with your tuition & fees saving you about half the cost of a physical new textbook.
Necessary Goods
Parenting Resources Center
Administers the Child Care Access Means Parents in School grant (CCAMPIS), a federally-funded program that supports Pell-grant-eligible students with funding to assist with child care costs. Resources include free parenting workshops and referrals.
Laptop Discounts and Loaner Program
Cincinnati State has a limited number of laptops available for loan to registered students, in addition to providing information on discounts for purchases
Career Services
The Career Center offers free services including assessments, resume and interview workshops, one-on-one sessions, and networking opportunities to help you prepare for co-op placements and secure a position in your profession.