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Financial Aid changes take effect July 6 for estimated aid and some grants. Here's what you need to do.
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Global Students

Welcome to Columbus State!
 

At Columbus State, everyone belongs. We believe higher education should be accessible to everyone, and we proudly welcome students from all backgrounds, cultures, languages, and life experiences who are pursuing their educational and career goals.  Our vibrant and diverse community includes more than 2,800 Global Students representing over 120 countries, along with New Americans, multilingual learners, and students from throughout Central Ohio. We celebrate the unique perspectives every student brings to our campus and are committed to supporting your success.

This Enrollment Guide is designed to help Global Students and New Americans prepare for enrollment, understand what to expect throughout the process, and connect with the college offices, resources, and services that can best support them every step of the way. We are excited to welcome you to the Columbus State community and look forward to being part of your educational journey.

 

Explore Columbus State Before You Apply


If you're still exploring your educational options or would like to learn more about Columbus State before submitting your application, we encourage you to attend one of our admissions events or visit our campus.

These events are a great opportunity to learn about the U.S. higher education system, explore the academic programs and career pathways offered at Columbus State, and better understand the enrollment process. You'll also have the opportunity to meet with Admissions Counselors, Career Coaches, faculty, and other college staff who can answer your questions and help you identify the program that best matches your educational and career goals.

Whether you're exploring majors, transfer opportunities, or career pathways, our Admissions team is here to answer your questions and help you discover the program that's right for you.

Explore Upcoming Events

  • Ready, Set, CState!
  • CState Info Sessions
  • Visit Days & Open Houses
  • Program Spotlights
  • Buckeye Bridge Info Sessions

Visit Columbus State

 

Get Started!

Apply for Admission

Once you've explored your options and are ready to begin your journey at Columbus State, submit your admission application through Workday.

We strongly encourage you to apply at least one month before the semester begins. Starting early gives you enough time to complete your personalized onboarding tasks, submit any required documentation, and prepare for your first semester.

Depending on your individual situation, your enrollment process may include:

  • Submitting placement documents or completing a placement assessment
  • Applying for financial aid and scholarships (if eligible)
  • Completing residency verification for tuition purposes (if required)
  • Completing orientation Workshop
  • Meeting with a New Student Coach to discuss your first-semester course recommendations
  • Registering for classes and paying tuition and fees

 

Beginning the enrollment process early also gives you the best opportunity to register for classes before they fill, allowing you to build a schedule that works with your employment, family responsibilities, and personal commitments.

When you're ready, submit your application through Workday to begin your enrollment journey.

Apply Online 

This application is for all undergraduate students applying for the first time to Columbus State, including transient students. You will apply using our new system, Workday.

 

Complete Your New Student Onboarding

After submitting your application, Workday will guide you through the enrollment process.

Every student's enrollment journey is different. Your personalized onboarding tasks are assigned based on the information you provided on your application.

Please read every question carefully before submitting your answers on the application. The information you provide determines the onboarding tasks Workday assigns to you. Incorrect or incomplete information may result in inaccurate onboarding tasks, delays in your enrollment process, and additional time needed to correct your student record.

Monitor your Workday account and email regularly and complete all assigned onboarding tasks as soon as possible.

 

Additional Enrollment Resources

Foreign High School Credentials 

If you completed your high school education outside the United States, you are not required to submit a foreign high school transcript or diploma as part of the general admission process.

Instead, most students will continue the enrollment process by submitting qualifying placement documents or completing a placement assessment to determine the appropriate starting courses at Columbus State.

A foreign high school credential evaluation may be requested later if proof of high school completion is required for:

  • Financial Aid eligibility
  • Selective admission programs (such as Health Sciences)
  • Other program-specific admission requirements

If a foreign high school credential evaluation is needed for your individual situation, the appropriate college office will provide instructions during your enrollment process.

For more information about foreign high school credential evaluations, please visit:

Foreign High School Transcript

 

Transfer Credit for Foreign College Coursework

Students who are not seeking transfer credit for previously completed college or university coursework are not required to have their foreign college transcripts evaluated as part of the general admission process.

If you have completed college or university coursework outside the United States and would like to receive transfer credit at Columbus State, you may choose to have your foreign college transcripts evaluated. A transcript evaluation may help you:

  • Receive transfer credit for previously completed college coursework

  • Satisfy equivalent course requirements for your Columbus State certificate or degree program

  • Meet course prerequisites, when applicable

Because a foreign college transcript evaluation may require additional time to complete and, in some cases, the use of an approved third-party evaluation service with associated evaluation fees, we encourage you to first discuss your academic goals with your New Student Coach or Academic Advisor after you have been admitted to Columbus State.

Together, you can determine whether a foreign transcript evaluation is needed for your academic plan and whether the potential transfer credit will benefit your certificate or degree program before beginning the evaluation process.

For more information about transcript evaluation requirements, approved evaluation services, and the transfer credit process, please visit:

Transfer Credit Evaluation 

Residency for Tuition Purposes

As a public institution, Columbus State receives funding from the State of Ohio. Because of this, tuition rates are determined according to Ohio law and are based on several factors, including your immigration status and, for many students, the length of time you have lived in Ohio.

After you submit your admission application, Workday will determine whether additional residency information is needed based on the information you provided on your admission’s application. If residency reclassification or supporting documentation is required, Workday will assign you a residency onboarding task with detailed instructions for completing the process and submitting the required documents.

Because residency reclassification is subject to application deadlines and required documentation, we strongly encourage you to apply to Columbus State early and carefully monitor your Workday onboarding tasks. Completing residency requirements as soon as possible can help prevent delays in determining your tuition rate and preparing for your first semester.

If you have questions about residency classification, tuition rates, eligibility, required documentation, or application deadlines, please contact the Residency Office at Student Central. The Residency Office is the best resource for questions about your individual situation.

Ohio Student Residency for Tuition Surcharge Purposes

Determining Your English Placement

As part of the enrollment process, all students must meet Columbus State's English placement requirement. You may satisfy this requirement by submitting qualifying placement documents, such as a transcript showing successful completion of a college-level English Composition course at an accredited U.S. college or university, or qualifying standardized English test scores. If you do not have qualifying placement documents, you will be asked to complete a placement assessment.

Based on your placement results, some students begin directly in college-level English courses, while others begin in developmental English or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. For students whose first language is not English, ESL courses provide additional support to strengthen academic English skills and prepare for success in college-level coursework.

Credit ESL courses are part of a student's academic pathway and help students build the English language skills needed for college success. For more information about placement options and qualifying placement documents, please visit the Placement & Testing website.

Placement & Testing
Language & Communication Department 

Language Institute (Non-Credit ESL Program)

The Language Institute is a valuable resource for New Americans, multilingual learners, and community members who would like to improve their English for everyday life, work, or future educational opportunities. With more than 1,400 students representing over 65 countries and speaking more than 50 languages, it has become one of the fastest-growing English language programs in Central Ohio.

Columbus State's Language Institute offers low-cost, non-credit Basic ESL classes for beginning- through high-intermediate English learners. Classes are offered five times each year, with each term lasting eight weeks. The program helps students strengthen their English language and literacy skills in a supportive learning environment.

Students who are interested only in the Language Institute should apply directly through the Language Institute application. Admission to the Language Institute does not require the Columbus State traditional admission application.  

Learn More About the Language Institute

Financial Aid & Scholarship

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary application for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Eligible students must complete the FAFSA each academic year to be considered for financial aid and many Columbus State scholarships.

Because financial aid eligibility is determined by federal regulations and each student's individual circumstances, we encourage you to review the eligibility requirements before applying. Student Central also offers financial aid counseling, workshops, and personalized assistance to help you understand your options and plan for college costs.

To determine your FAFSA eligibility and learn more about financial aid programs, scholarships, important deadlines, and available resources, 

Please see the Financial Aid webpage for more details. 

Pay Tuition & Fees

Fees cannot be paid until after you register for classes. For more information on tuition payment options or how to pay fees, click here.