Scholarships for New Transfer Students

New transfer students are automatically considered for scholarships once admitted to Cleveland State University. Recipients of scholarships listed below must be new, first-time (never before attended) Cleveland State University students, 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.

Incoming Transfer Students will be automatically considered for institutional scholarships once they are admitted to CSU, including our new Transfer Excellence Award.

Eligibility for all transfer scholarships are listed below. In certain instances, specific scholarships are awarded when a student meets the eligibility criteria as indicated by the donor of the scholarship. Cleveland State University reserves the right to alter scholarship eligibility criteria and award amounts based on available funding. Students are notified when they are awarded.  

Students who have applied for the Summer or Fall 26 term and have submitted all required application materials by July 1 receive priority consideration for the following awards:  Transfer Awards and the Phi Theta Kappa Award.

• Choose Ohio First Scholarship (Transfer Student)
• Transfer Merit Scholarships
• Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Award
• All-State Academic Team Award
• Honors Program – Upper Division
• Ruth Ann Moyer
• Academic Department Scholarships
• Athletic Scholarships (Division I)

FAFSA Completion Grant

Transfer students admitted to Cleveland State University for Summer or Fall 2026 who submit their 2026-2027 FAFSA (to CSU) by February 15, 2026 will receive the $1,000 FAFSA Completion Grant. This award is renewable for up to 2 years (4 semesters), as long as students remain eligible. Submit your FAFSA early to lock in this annual boost toward your degree.

Awarding Eligibility 

• Full-time student transferring to CSU for Summer or Fall 2026
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must meet all other admission criteria for their selected program