Transfer Student Services

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to Cleveland State University?

  1. Complete and submit online undergraduate application for admission. 
  2. Submit $40 application fee, currently waived through Fall 2024.
  3. Send official copies of transcripts from all previously attended institutions, including high school.  If fewer than 12 semester hours of college credit are earned, and high school diploma is less than five years old, submit ACT or SAT test scores. 
  4. Log into your application portal to view application status.
  5. Once admitted, you will receive an email welcoming you to Cleveland State that will detail orientation, registering for classes, and speaking with an advisor. 

How will my credits transfer to CSU?

Transfer Student Services is able to provide an unofficial transcript evaluation before a student applies, however, the Registrar’s Office makes the final determination on what credits CSU officially accepts.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement to transfer to CSU?

In order to be admitted to CSU, transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of a 2.0 or higher from all colleges and universities attended.

Note: Certain majors may require a higher GPA or additional requirements.

Is there a minimum number of hours I have to take at CSU in order to obtain my bachelor’s degree from CSU?

Yes.  Here at CSU, in order to obtain your bachelor’s degree, you must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours from Cleveland State University.  This residency requirement ensures each student becomes an engaged scholar while attending institution. 

Can I meet with an advisor before I apply to CSU to talk about my credits, courses, and the transfer process in general?

Yes. Transfer Student Services at CSU allows students to meet with an advisor to provide an unofficial transcript evaluation and discuss how credits will transfer into CSU. Please call 216-687-5568 or visit here to schedule an appointment.

Can I submit an unofficial transcript if I am not able to travel to the CSU campus to meet with a Transfer Center advisor?

Yes, our Transfer Student Services advisors can meet with students via phone or Zoom if they are unable to travel to the CSU campus.

How can I arrange a campus visit?

CSU’s Admissions Office offers individualized and group tours to prospective students. Please click HERE for more information. Please click HERE to go on a virtual tour of CSU’s campus.

Is there a deadline for CSU admissions?

No. CSU accepts applications year-round! However, CSU also uses multi-term registration.  Each March, multi-term registration becomes available and allows admitted students to register for one entire academic year ((Fall, Spring, and Summer). So, while students are always able to apply for admission, course availability may be limited. We encourage newly admitted transfer students to meet with their academic advisor prior to registering for the first time at CSU.

Once I’m admitted to CSU, how do I schedule for classes and find out who my advisor is?

Newly admitted students receive an email that details who their advisor is, how to register for classes, and how to navigate the CSU online systems (CampusNet and Starfish). Click HERE for more information on how to find and navigate Starfish.

What majors and minors does CSU offer?
Over 200 programs are available at CSU. A list of all of CSU’s undergraduate majors can be found on by clicking on the ‘Browse Our Majors’ tab in the lefthand section of the Transfer Center Homepage. More information on the specifics of CSU’s academic programs (undergraduate and graduate) can be found HERE.

What is the tuition cost of CSU?

Click HERE for current tuition information.

How do I find out information about obtaining financial aid?

  1. Cleveland State University’s priority deadline to submit the FAFSA is October 1st.
  2. The CSU Federal School Code is 003032.
  3. Visit our Financial Aid website for more information.

Are there any specific scholarships for transfer students?

Yes, CSU provides scholarships specific to transfer students as well as a variety of scholarships available by majors. Click HERE for more information.

What are my housing options at CSU?

While many CSU students are commuters, there are several housing options (including dormitories) on campus and in the immediate area. Click HERE for more information.

Do you offer assistance to military veterans?
Yes. Currently, over 650 military veterans are attending CSU and are served through our Veteran Success Program. Click HERE for more information.