Also Introduces Incentive Program for Returning Students

CLEVELAND (June 1, 2020) – CSU announced today several creative new student support programs that will help current and future students succeed. CSU’s renewed commitment to student success, especially in a time of economic stress for families and students across Ohio, demonstrates its continuing focus on providing pathways for upward mobility and creating a talent pipeline for our community.

The “2-for-1 Tuition Promise” for Incoming Freshmen will provide all students who enroll at CSU as new freshmen and successfully complete Fall Semester 2020 with a GPA of 2.75 or better, to enroll in Spring Semester 2021 tuition free, after other financial aid has been applied.

The initiative is designed to provide additional financial support and encouragement at a time when many families are struggling, and also to incentivize students to pursue their college dreams now.

“We are acutely aware that this is no ordinary time, and the financial, emotional and health-related pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are putting significant additional stress on high school seniors and their families,” said Cleveland State President Harlan Sands. “Our 2-for-1 Tuition Promise is specifically designed to make the entire college-going process easier, while reducing the financial burden for families and incentivizing students to succeed.”

“This is not a typical year for any of us,” Sands added. “Our aim is to ensure that a transition to CSU includes a strong financial incentive for these students and families, especially during this time of uncertainty.”

For more information on the 2-for-1 Tuition Promise, including eligibility information, visit https://www.csuohio.edu/admissions/2-for-1-tuition-promise.

Investing in the Success of All CSU Students

In addition to the 2-for-1 promise for freshmen, CSU continues to make investments in the success of continuing students and graduate students. In 2020, CSU will launch several new initiatives alongside existing programs to ensure access to higher education is affordable:

• Degree-seeking undergraduate students returning to CSU for the Fall 2020 semester and enrolled for at least 12 credits and earning a 3.0 GPA or higher, will receive a $150 Campus Bookstore credit for Spring Semester 2021.
• Non-Ohio residents interested in earning a graduate degree will pay in-state tuition at CSU if they have earned a bachelor’s degree from an Ohio college or university.
• CSU considers military service members on active duty, as well as their spouses and dependents, as Ohio residents for the purposes of qualifying for in-state tuition.
• CSU will invest an additional $2 million in need-based financial aid for the 2020-2021 academic year.
• CSU invests over $11 million anually in scholarhips and grants for returning students, including Radiance Scholarships for students within 60 credits of graduating. Thanks to the generosity of CSU’s large donor base, the Radiance program has raised nearly $10 million since 2011 to keep upper level students on track to graduation.
• Through the Federal CARES Act and private donations, CSU has already awarded over $4.1 million in Lift Up Vikes Grants to continuing undergraduate, graduate and law school students.

President Sands discussed the new 2-for-1 Tuition Promise with Fox 8 News on Friday, June 5. Click here for the interview.

About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for Engaged Learning. With 17,000-plus students, ten colleges and schools and more than 175 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2020 as one of America’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report. Find more information at www.csuohio.edu.

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