New freshmen are automatically considered for scholarships once admitted to CSU. In some cases, where indicated, individual scholarships will require a separate application. The Freshmen Scholarships listed below are available to new, first-time (never before attended) CSU students, U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, enrolled in a degree granting program and pursuing their first Bachelor's Degree. All students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for full consideration of all types of financial aid.

Selection of scholarship recipients is made by a Scholarship Committee. Eligibility for new freshmen is based on a number of criteria including high school GPA and standardized test scores. In certain instances, specific scholarships are awarded based on a student meeting the eligibility criteria as indicated by the donor of the scholarship. CSU reserves the right to alter scholarship eligibility criteria and award amounts based on available funding. Students will be notified by the University of any Scholarship Awards based on their meeting specific scholarship eligibility criteria.

Academic Department Scholarships (scholarships based on academic majors)

Criteria: Consult the academic college or department web sites for scholarship availability and eligibility criteria. Separate scholarship application may be required.
Amount of Awards: Varies, determined by individual academic college or department.

Athletic Scholarships (Division I)

Criteria: Students interested in athletics should contact the Athletic Department at 216.687.5119 or visit the Athletic Department web site regarding scholarships and NCAA aid eligibility.
Amount of Award: Varies, determined by athletics department.

New Freshmen Scholarships

Claire A. Van Ummersen Scholarship

Criteria: Scholarship awarded to a new incoming freshman who graduated in the top 10% of their high school class or a current CSU student with a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. Recipient must attend CSU full time.
Number of Awards: Varies based on available funding.
Amount of Award: Varies, based on available funding.
Renewable: No, this is a one-time non-transferable scholarship.

CSU Freshmen Scholars Award

Cleveland State University’s Freshmen Scholars Award makes it easy for qualified students to receive a renewable merit scholarship of $3,000 for up to four years for a total of $12,000. Students who meet the eligibility criteria will automatically be awarded a Freshmen Scholars Award to attend CSU. A separate scholarship application is not required.

Criteria (must meet all of the following):

• Be an incoming freshman (2012 high school graduate),
• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a minimum 23 ACT composite score or 1070 SAT (critical reading & math combined),
• Accept admission to CSU by May 1,
• Must attend CSU full-time.

Amount of award: $3,000 per year for up to four consecutive years (8 semesters maximum).

Renewable: Yes, must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and satisfactorily complete 15 credit hours per semester (fall and spring).

Note: Students must meet all eligibility criteria and have all information (test scores and transcripts) on file with CSU by May 1 to be eligible for the CSU Freshmen Scholars Award.

CSU Freshmen Scholars Resident Award

Cleveland State University’s Freshmen Scholars Resident Award is a $2,000 renewable merit scholarship awarded to qualified students to live in CSU’s Fenn Tower or Euclid Commons residence facilities. Students who meet the eligibility criteria will automatically be awarded a Freshmen Scholars Resident Award. A separate scholarship application is not required.

Criteria (must meet all of the following):

• Be an incoming freshman (2012 high school graduate),
• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a minimum 23 ACT composite score or 1070 SAT (critical reading & math combined),
• Accept admission to CSU by May 1,
• Live in Fenn Tower or Euclid Commons,
• Must attend CSU full-time.

Amount of award: $2,000 per year for up to four consecutive years (8 semesters maximum) for a total of $8,000.

Renewable: Yes, must maintain minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, satisfactorily complete 15 credit hours per semester (fall and spring) and continue to live in Fenn Tower or Euclid Commons each academic year.

Note: Students must meet all eligibility criteria and have all information (test scores and transcripts) on file with CSU by May 1 to be eligible for the CSU Freshmen Scholars Resident Award.

CSU Voyager Scholarship (for Non-Resident Undergraduate Students)

Qualified students who are non-residents of Ohio are awarded the CSU Voyager Scholarship to help reduce out-of-state tuition costs for up to 16 credit hours per semester. A separate scholarship application is not required.

Criteria (must meet all of the following):

• Be a non-resident of Ohio,
• Must be an incoming freshman,
• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a minimum 23 ACT composite score or 1070 SAT (critical reading & math combined),
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen,
• Accept admission to CSU by May 1,
• Must attend CSU full-time.

Amount of award: The difference between in-state and out-of state tuition charged to non-residents of Ohio up to 16 credit hours per semester.

Renewable: Yes, must maintain non-Ohio residency status (charged non-resident tuition), maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and satisfactorily complete 15 credit hours per semester (fall and spring).

Note: Students must meet all eligibility criteria and have all information (test scores and transcripts) on file with CSU by May 1 to be eligible for the CSU Voyager Scholarship.

Honors Program

Criteria:  Beginning with the Fall 2012 class, freshman students admitted to the Honors Program will receive a scholarship that covers tuition and associated fees (e.g., lab fees, U-Pass fee) equivalent to the tuition “band” (currently 12-16 credit hours) at the in-state tuition rate. The scholarship is renewable for a maximum of eight semesters. To remain eligible for the honors scholarship, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. Students who fall below this standard will be placed on Honors probation and will be dismissed from the program if the problem persists. A full explanation of the scholarship rules is available in the Honors Student Handbook. A separate application is required to apply the Honors Program.  Eligible out-of-state students may also receive a CSU “Voyager” scholarship to help reduce out-of-state tuition costs.

Freshmen entering the Honors Program who were previously awarded the CSU Freshman Scholars Residence Award are still eligible for that award.  However, the Honors Program scholarship REPLACES the $3000 Freshman Scholars Merit Award
Amount of Award: Full tuition and associated fees.
Renewable: Yes, for a maximum of 8 semesters, minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA
Contact: For additional information and program application, please visit the Honors Program web site or contact Dr. Peter Meiksins, Director, Cleveland State Honors Program, at 216.687.5559.

Link Program Scholarship

Criteria: Graduating high school seniors or current CSU students interested in pursuing bachelor's degrees in Business, Engineering or Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Students must demonstrate the ability to perform college level course work. Selection of program participants is based on high school performance, college entrance examination scores (ACT/SAT), counselor/teacher recommendations, and evaluation of the LINK application. A separate application is required.
Contact: For more information and application contact Career Services Center, 216.687.2233 or visit the Link Program web site.

Moses Cleaveland Scholarships

Criteria: Scholarship assistance for high school seniors demonstrating academic achievement and great promise for completion of a bachelor's degree. Students must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.
Number of Awards: Varies
Amount of Award: Varies, tuition assistance is provided by the generous donation of individuals and corporations in the Cleveland community.
Renewable: No

The Plain Dealer Charities Scholarship

Criteria: Awarded to new entering freshmen who are residents and graduates of a high school in Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Portage, Summit, Medina or Lorain counties. Students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and intend to major in Journalism or Business Management.
Number of Awards: Varies, based on available funding.
Amount of Award: Varies, based on available funding.
Renewable: No, this is a one-time non-transferable scholarship.

Richard Eaton Scholarship

Criteria: Scholarship awarded to a new freshman interested in the field of communication. Student must have a high school cumulative 2.5 GPA, attend full-time.
Number of Awards: Varies
Amount of Award: Varies, based on available funding.
Renewable: No

Ruth Ann Moyer

Criteria: Scholarship for new freshmen or new transfer students. Recipients must be at least 25 years of age, an Ohio resident and attend Cleveland State at least part-time (6 credit hours per semester).
Number of Awards: 2
Amount of Award: Full in-state tuition up to 16 credit hours per semester.
Renewable: Yes, must maintain cumulative 3.0 GPA and successfully complete at least 6 credit hours per semester (fall and spring).

University Scholars Award

The University Scholars Award is a renewable $4,500 merit scholarship awarded to qualified students who accept admission into the University Scholars Program. Students who meet the eligibility criteria will automatically be awarded the University Scholars Award to attend CSU.

Criteria (must meet all of the following):

• Be an incoming freshman (2012 high school graduate),
• Have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and a minimum 26 ACT composite score or 1190 SAT (critical reading & math combined),
• Must attend CSU full-time,
• Must accept admission to CSU and return the University Scholars Acceptance Form to the Honors Program Office by May 1.

Amount of award: $4,500 per year for up to four consecutive years (8 semesters maximum) for a total of $18,000.

Renewable: Yes, must maintain minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA, satisfactorily complete 15 credit hours per semester (fall and spring) and continue to participate and be in good standing in the University Scholars Program.

Contact: For additional information on the University Scholars Program, please visit the Honors Program web site or contact Dr. Peter Meiksins, Program Director, Cleveland State Honors Program, at 216-687-5559.

Note: Students must meet all eligibility criteria and have all information (test scores and transcripts) on file with CSU by May 1 to be eligible for the University Scholars Award.