Skip to main content
Photo of CSU student reading
Start Now! CSU App Common App

COLLEGE* AND SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Requirements

Students applying as first-time freshmen must have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.3 and will have successfully completed 13 core academic requirements:

  • 4 years/units of English
  • 3 years/units of Math
  • 3 years/units of Natural Sciences
  • 3 years/units of Social Sciences

Students graduating from an Ohio public or charter high school in 2014 and beyond must complete the Ohio Core Curriculum Requirements, which include:

  • 4 years/units of English
  • 4 years/units of Math, including Algebra II or an equivalent course
  • 3 years/units of Science
  • 3 years/units of Social Studies
  • 1 year/unit of Fine Arts, to include courses taken in grades 7-12

*Each academic college has specific guidelines for direct entry. Students not meeting these requirements may be considered for pre-admission into an academic college or admitted to University Studies.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR FRESHMEN

AUG 1, 2023

Fall 2024 application opens

DEC 2023

Begin filing your FAFSA - CSU's school code is 003032

JAN 15

Freshman Honors Program application due

Students must be admitted to Cleveland State University as pre-business and then follow the College of Business admission process. Visit the Monte Ahuja College of Business website for more details.

Students must be admitted to Cleveland State as Pre-Education and then follow the admission process for teacher licensure programs. Please contact the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education's advising office for more information on specific requirements.

GPA

Students applying to Washkewicz College of Engineering programs should have a GPA above 2.80 and provide proof of math proficiency through one of the following criteria:

  • ACT Math Score greater than or equal to 23
  • SAT Math score greater than or equal to 550
  • CSU Math Placement Test: Place into Math 168 (Precalculus II) or above

Department of Engineering Technology

The University’s minimum admission requirements apply to our engineering technology programs. 

Students must be admitted to Cleveland State as Pre-Nursing and then follow the School of Nursing admission process. Visit the School of Nursing website for more details. 

Department of Music

Music students must complete an additional application and complete an audition. Students who have not completed a music theory course for college credit are also required to complete an oral and written placement exam. Contact the Department of Music for additional information at 216.687.2033.

External Test Credit

Cleveland State University grants external test credit for qualifying scores earned in the Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations (both offered by the College Board). More information on external test credit can be found by visiting the Office of the University Registrar website

Students seeking credit for AP or CLEP examinations must have their official score report sent directly from the College Board to the Office of the University Registrar.