The Cleveland State Commitment
Your Hard Work. Our Commitment.
Your hard work deserves a commitment. At Cleveland State, we’re committed to helping make your college education possible. The Cleveland State Commitment covers any remaining tuition and mandatory fees (after all grants and scholarships are applied) for eligible Ohio students who graduate high school with a 3.0 or higher GPA and a household adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less.
And that commitment can last. As long as requirements are met, you can renew this aid for up to eight consecutive semesters, helping you stay focused on what matters most — earning your degree and building your future.
Eligibility requirements
Spring 2027 high school graduates (transfer students not eligible)
Students must graduate high school with a 3.0 GPA or higher
Annual household adjusted gross income certified through FAFSA
Meet guidelines for residency as defined by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE)
Enroll in at least 12 credit hours each eligible semester as a degree-seeking student
After Feb. 15, funding is available only as funds remain
Three steps to earn the
Cleveland State Commitment
Apply and be admitted
Apply to Cleveland State for Fall 2027 as an incoming first-year, degree-seeking student and complete your admission requirements by Feb. 15 for priority consideration.
File your FAFSA by Feb. 15
Be sure to list Cleveland State University (School Code 003032) and complete verification if requested.
Enroll full time
Register for 12 or more credit hours as a degree-seeking student and meet the program’s academic requirements.
A last-dollar promise for tuition and mandatory fees
Hardworking Ohio families deserve access to an excellent university education without the burden of extensive debt. Cleveland State University continues to offer one of the lowest tuition rates in Ohio and all students are automatically considered for institutional scholarships upon admission. Students who do not meet the free tuition requirements can still be awarded a generous aid package that helps minimize financial gaps.
Family Income [$0-125K]
Family Income [$125-180K]
Fall 2026 First-Year Cohort
The Cleveland State Commitment is made possible in part by generous donors who join us in this movement to make higher education more accessible for students.
Your support can change the trajectory of lives. Consider a donation today.
Cleveland State Commitment FAQ
The Cleveland State Commitment covers eligible direct tuition and mandatory fee charges remaining after applicable FAFSA-based grants and other qualifying financial aid (including scholarships) are applied.
- Tuition and mandatory fees are the covered direct costs.
- Federal, state and other qualifying aid and scholarships are applied first.
- The Cleveland State Commitment covers the remaining eligible tuition and fee balance.
- The commitment can continue for up to eight consecutive semesters when renewal requirements are met.
Important: Housing, meal plans, books, course-specific fees, transportation and other personal or indirect expenses are not listed as covered costs under the program criteria provided.
No. Based on the program criteria provided, the Cleveland State Commitment covers tuition and mandatory fees after qualifying financial aid. Housing, meals, books, course-specific fees and other indirect costs are not listed as covered expenses.
AGI means adjusted gross income. Eligibility is based on household AGI of $125,000 or less and is certified through the FAFSA process each year. A household AGI of $125,000 of less must be maintained each year for continued eligibility.
Families with an AGI of $125,000.01 or more are not eligible for the Commitment. However, all students should submit a FAFSA to see what type of financial aid may be available for them. Cleveland State University has one of the lowest tuition rates in Ohio and all students are automatically considered for institutional scholarships once they are admitted.
Visit our financial aid website to learn more and understand your options. You can also contact All-in-1 Enrollment Services to speak with an advisor about your financial aid.
All-in-1 Enrollment Services | 216-678-5411 | allin1@csuohio.edu | BH 116
For first-year eligibility, students should be admitted to Cleveland State and file the FAFSA by Feb. 15. Continuing students should file the FAFSA by Feb. 15 each year. Students completing requirements after Feb. 15 may be considered only if Cleveland State Commitment funds remain available.
Yes. Students must file the FAFSA by Feb. 15 each year for priority eligibility and complete financial aid verification when required. After Feb. 15, funding is available only on a funds-available basis.
Eligible students may receive the Cleveland State Commitment for up to eight consecutive semesters, provided all renewal requirements continue to be met.
Incoming first-year students must have at least a 3.0 high school GPA. To retain the Commitment, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and meet federal aid eligibility.
If you don't have a 3.0 high school GPA at the time of your graduation (as indicated on your final high school transcripts), you will not qualify for the Commitment. However, you should still submit your FAFSA to see what kind of aid you may qualify for.
Yes. To remain eligible for up to eight consecutive semesters at CSU, continuing students must maintain:
- A 2.0 GPA or higher and meet federal aid eligibility
- Full-time and degree-seeking status
- File the FAFSA by Feb. 15 every year, including verification when required (Students who miss the Feb. 15 priority deadline may receive funding only if funds remain available)
- A household AGI of $125,000 or less each year
No. The Cleveland State Commitment is for new first-year students beginning in Fall 2027. The first cohort will be students graduating high school in the spring of 2027.
Please check out these transfer student scholarships that may be available to you.