Application FAQ & Instructions

Obtain a Cleveland State University Application

You may complete an application using one of the following methods:

• Online
• Download and print application (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to download application)
• Go to the Dayroom (Veteran Student Success Program) in Rhodes West, room 210 to get a paper copy, complete it and have the staff deliver it to the Admissions Office for you.

Personal Information

Your date of birth is required. While we do not require you to provide your social security number, it is recommended that you do so. If you choose not to provide your social security at this time, you will need to present a copy of your social security card in order to add it later. A social security number is needed before financial aid and scholarships can be applied to a student account.

In-State Tuition and the Isakson & Roe Amendment

If you're a military-connected student applying to our University, you may qualify for in-state tuition—regardless of your state of legal residence—thanks to recent changes in federal law.

On August 1, 2021, Section 1005 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (commonly called the Isakson & Roe Act) went into effect. This legislation amended the original Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (also known as the Choice Act), expanding protections and access for veterans and eligible dependents.

Under this updated law, public colleges and universities must offer in-state tuition to qualifying individuals using VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Montgomery GI Bill®, without requiring them to establish residency in the state.

Who qualifies?

You may be eligible for in-state tuition at CSU if you meet the following criteria:

• You’re a veteran using VA education benefits
• You’re a dependent (spouse or child) using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits
• You’re using Fry Scholarship benefits
• You live in the state where the institution is located while attending, regardless of formal state residency

What this means for you

As a state institution, we comply fully with the Isakson & Roe Act. That means if you're using eligible VA education benefits and plan to attend while living in our state—even if you've just moved here—you’ll receive in-state tuition rates. This makes your education more affordable from the start, without the need to wait a year or go through a residency reclassification process.

If you're unsure about your eligibility or need help navigating your benefits, our Veterans Services Office is here to assist you every step of the way.