From Thinking About It to Graduating: How to Start College

What You Need to Start

College students come from all walks of life. Whether you were class valedictorian or class clown, you can do great things with a certificate or degree from Cincinnati State. 
To get started, you just need a High School Diploma or GED.

No tests are needed, and applying is free!

Your First Semester: Steps & Dates

Starting college is easier than you think – and now is the perfect time to begin! Here are the basics to take you from today to your first class: 

• Apply
  • This is your first step. Its easy, free – and can be done online in only 5 minutes
  • You can apply as soon as today, right now – and we recommend doing so early
  • The next session starts on January 13, 2025. The deadline to apply is December 16th, but we strongly recommend doing so by December 1st.
• Submit Transcripts
  • Send in your official high school transcripts (or also from other colleges if you’ve previously attended)
  • Easier than it sounds – contact your high school and they’ll give you what you need
  • Do this right after you complete the application
• Meet With Your Advisor
  • Once you’re officially admitted – which usually takes about two weeks – schedule a meeting with your academic advisor and they’ll help you register for classes
  • We recommend doing this right after admission so they can help handle any questions or concerns you have
• Get to Class
  • You are now a college student! You’ll have access to your schedule and start date, just don’t be late.

When should I apply? Apply today! The sooner you apply the more opportunity you’ll have for class selection, financial aid and other important benefits.  

What if I’ve already completed some college credits? Whether you’re looking to transfer from your current school or get back to college, you may be able to transfer your already completed credits.

Continuing Until Graduation

With your first semester under your belt, you’ll know most of the steps for later semesters.

• Go to Class: Attend class, of course, and maintain a decent GPA 
• Meet With Your Advisor: Continue to meet with your academic advisor each semester, and anytime you need help
• Get the Details: There may be some additional things specific to your program that you need to do. Your advisor can give you details

Each program is different, but at most you’ll need 2 years to complete an associate degree

Handling Costs

Cincinnati State is more affordable than most schools, but we know cost is still a big consideration. Figuring out costs and financial aid can be tricky, but we’re here to make it easier. You can start by:

• Getting the Basics: First, learn about costs and financial aid
• Applying for Aid: Complete the FAFSA. It’s the first step in securing financial aid

Understanding the cost of college and getting aid doesn’t have to be difficult and if you need help making sense of it all, you can always talk with our financial aid staff.

Choosing Your Major / Career Path

Notice how “Choosing Your Major” is not the first thing in this guide? That’s because you don’t need to choose a program to start at Cincinnati State. We can help you figure it out:

• Apply: We do recommend that you choose a major when applying (it can be changed later and it may save you time and money). You can explore your options with your advisor’s help after applying
• Move Beyond Undecided: You can attend an informational session called “Moving Beyond Undecided” to learn more about your options
• Get in Touch: You can contact the Career Center and meet with a career advisor for personalized guidance

You may enter college undecided, but you’ll have a clear career path by the time you graduate.

Getting Help

Still have questions? No problem. We have lots of resources to help you get answers. You can:

• Request Information
  • Give us a little info and we’ll respond with answers
• Call or Email Us
  • Admissions: adm@cincinnatistate.edu | 513-861-7700
  • Financial Aid: fam@cincinnatistate.edu | (513) 569-1530
  • Career Center: careercenter@cincinnatistate.edu | Phone: 513-569-4242 
• Apply
  • Once you apply and are admitted, you’ll be able to talk with an advisor who can give you even more answers