To assist you with your financial aid questions, review the frequently asked questions listed below. For further assistance, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov or contact Campus411 at 216.687.5411 or 888.CSU.OHIO or campus411@csuohio.edu.

Does receiving a scholarship affect my federal financial aid eligibility?
Sometimes. A student is not permitted to receive financial assistance greater than the total cost of attending Cleveland State. Therefore, if you qualify for a scholarship after having been awarded federal financial aid, some of your federal assistance (usually loan eligibility) may have to be reduced. If this occurs, you'll be notified immediately.

I've received scholarships from outside of Cleveland State. Do I have to report these?
Yes. To prevent over-awarding of aid, any awards given to you outside of Cleveland State must be reported on your award letter or you can notify the University in person by visiting Campus411. If any adjustments to your aid are necessary, you will be notified.

Do I need to apply for scholarships?
No, unless an individual scholarship requires a separate application. In most cases, you are automatically considered once you complete your FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA. Incoming freshmen and transfer students will also have to be admitted to Cleveland State prior to being considered for any scholarship. Review scholarship summaries for any additional application requirements.

Can I receive scholarship(s) if I am receiving grants and loans?
If you are receiving other financial assistance such as federal and state grants or loans, you can still qualify to receive scholarships. If the awards are marked for tuition only, funding may need adjusting. All financial assistance cannot exceed the cost of attendance.

What determines my academic rank?
Your academic rank is based on the total number of earned semester hours. Freshmen have earned 0-29 semester credit hours. Sophomores have earned 30-59 semester credit hours. Juniors have earned 60-89 semester credit hours. Seniors have earned 90 or more semester credit hours.

How many hours of registration do I need to receive scholarships?
A minimum of six credit hours of registration is required unless otherwise stated.

What kinds of scholarships are offered to graduate students?
Students who have received a bachelor's degree are ineligible to apply for any of the new, transferring or continuing student scholarships. It is recommended that students research scholarship opportunities, Graduate Assistantships and Tuition Assistantships offered in the various graduate college departments and in the department.

What kinds of scholarships are offered to international students?
The scholarships on this website are for U.S. or permanent residence citizens. You can visit the International Education Financial Aid website at www.iefa.org, The Smart Student Guide for Studying in the U.S. at www.edupass.org or information on external scholarships.

I have been awarded a scholarship from an organization or company. What do I have to do to get my scholarship award sent to Cleveland State?
Many organizations or companies require the college or university to complete an enrollment or an award verification form. This form along with contact information should be sent to the Scholarship Coordinator, unless a specific department is listed.

Are there scholarships to study abroad?
Yes, you can contact the Center for International Services and Programs at 216.687.3910 or the Office of Minority Affairs and Community Relations at 216.687.9394 for further information.

What are some warning signs of possible scholarship scams?
Things to look out for when researching scholarships are companies that request an application fee, guaranteed winnings, money-back guarantees, requests for credit card numbers, Social Security number or bank account information, and/or call a 900 number for information, just to name a few. If you are not sure, contact the National Fraud Information Center (NFIC) at www.fraud.org or 800.876.7060, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams or 877.FTC.HELP (382.4357) for further information.

Can I apply for and/or receive scholarships or University grants if I am starting spring semester?
The priority deadline date to be considered for University grants and the deadline date to apply for a scholarship is February 15. It is highly recommended that you apply for assistance before February 15 even if you are not planning to attend fall semester. University grants are awarded to eligible students who met the priority date. Scholarships are awarded for the fall and spring semester and if grants/scholarships become available, students who meet all the eligible criteria will be considered. Eligible community college transfer students will be considered for the initiative and Phi Theta scholarships.