Apply for Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to receiving financial aid at Cincinnati State. Some aid programs are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, so complete the FAFSA early. The FAFSA you fill out depends on which year and/or semester you will be attending classes.
Not sure which FAFSA to complete?
- If you will be attending classes during Spring 2024 or Summer 2024, fill out the 2023-2024 FAFSA.
- If you will be attending classes during Fall 2024 or Spring 2025, fill out the 2024-2025 FAFSA.
Use the timeline below as a guide.
Dates listed are priority dates to ensure financial aid is in place for the beginning of the semester. Students not meeting the priority dates should still apply for financial aid as soon as possible. These dates are subject to change.
Priority Dates and Timeline — Spring Semester 2024
- December 1, 2023 — Priority deadline to complete the FAFSA
- December 15, 2023 — All required forms received by Cincinnati State
- December 20, 2023 — Financial aid offer processed (if FAFSA was received by priority deadline)
- December 21, 2023 — Complete Loan Acceptance Form, Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling if accepting loans
- January 22, 2024 — Bill due date*
- February 14, 2024 — Financial aid disburses for full semester classes
- Feb 23, 2024 — Financial aid refund checks mailed for full semester classes
- Dec. 1, 2023 to Feb. 23, 2024 — Make bookstore purchases with financial aid
- March 5, 2024 — Financial aid disburses for ten-week classes
- March 8, 2024 — Financial aid refund checks mailed for ten-week classes
*If bill is not paid by this date, a $60 fee will be assessed.
Priority Dates and Timeline — Summer Semester 2024
- April 1, 2024 — Priority deadline to complete the FAFSA
- April 15, 2024 — All required forms received by Cincinnati State
- April 20, 2024 — Financial aid offer processed (if FAFSA was received by priority deadline)
- April 25, 2024 — Complete Loan Acceptance Form, Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling if accepting loans
- May 19, 2024 — Bill due date*
- April 1, 2024 to June 7, 2024 — Make bookstore purchases with financial aid
- June 14, 2024 — Financial aid disburses for full semester classes
- June 14, 2024 — Financial aid disburses for ten-week classes
- June 21, 2024 — Financial aid refund checks mailed for full semester classes
- June 21, 2024 — Financial aid refund checks mailed for ten-week classes
*If bill is not paid by this date, a $60 fee will be assessed.
Priority Dates and Timeline — Fall Semester 2024
- August 1, 2024 — Priority deadline to complete the FAFSA
- August 15, 2024 — All required forms received by Cincinnati State
- August 20, 2024 — Financial aid offer processed (if FAFSA was received by priority deadline)
- August 25, 2024 — Complete Loan Acceptance Form, Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling if accepting loans
- More dates TBD
Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements
Students must meet the following requirements in order to receive financial aid:
- Enroll or be accepted into a degree program or eligible certificate program
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate
- Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe money back on a federal student grant
- Demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA
- Meet academic standards set by your financial aid award and Cincinnati State’s policy for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Steps to Apply for Financial Aid
- Submit the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov.
Apply for a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID from the U.S. Department of Education. The FSA ID serves as your electronic signature. Dependent students will need to have at least one parent obtain an FSA ID as well. Use Cincinnati State School code 010345.
- Regularly check your Cincinnati State email for information from the college.
Log in to Cincinnati State MyCState then click on Self-Service to review the status of your financial aid and submit any needed forms.
- If you are interested in student loans, you are required complete the following steps:
- Accept loans in Self-Service
- Loan Entrance Counseling
- Master Promissory Note
To apply or review the eligible certification programs, click on the pages below.