Youngstown State University
At Youngstown State University, you are joining an institution of opportunity. Our five colleges are led by faculty who prioritize students' success by facilitating hands-on, real-world experiences, whether it be in our state-of-the-art laboratories, internships/co-ops, or immersing them in new cultures with our study abroad opportunities. Rated “Best Tuition Value” in Ohio, we pride ourselves on providing an innovative and supportive college education, while maintaining accessibility and fostering a welcoming environment that inspires, empowers and enriches our students.
Positioned within walking distance of our vibrant downtown, our beautiful 160-acre, park-like campus, also considered one of the safest in the state, creates a small-town feel with an aesthetic, peaceful setting. Stay active and social on campus by joining one of our 200+ student organizations, cheering on our Division I Penguins, climbing the highest indoor rock-climbing wall in Ohio at our Campus Rec Center, or going exploring with our Adventure Rec, and so much more! Join the Penguin Family and Know Y YSU is the place for you.
Academic programs
- Engineering
- Research
- Science
- Technology
- Liberal Arts
- Business
- Education
- Nursing
- Communication
- Music
- Art & Design
- Economics
- Finance/Accounting
- Government/Political Science
- Health Science
- Performing Arts
- Social Science
- Visual Arts
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Pharmacy
- Aviation
- Public health
Student experience
- Athletics
- Co-op/Internship Opportunities
- Disability Services
- Greek Life
- Intramural/Club Sports
- LGBTQIA Services
- Military/Veteran Services
- Night Class Offerings
- On-Campus Housing
- ROTC Program
- Study Abroad
- Undergraduate Research
- Veteran Fee Waiver
- Distance/online learning
Application information
First-year
As a first-year applicant to Youngstown State University, please:
- Submit your completed application.
- $45 application fee for domestic applicants.
- $75.00 application fee for international applicants.
- Have your school counselor send your official high school transcript.*
- ACT and SAT scores are optional. (Please note: some majors do require test scores as a criteria to be admitted into the program.)
- No letter of recommendation or essays are required.
*If you attend or attended a foreign high school, we require a course-by-course evaluation with a copy of the transcripts that were evaluated attached to the report, and must come from a NACES approved company.
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Additional information
The Freshman Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that is automatically awarded to all first-year students, if applicable. This will automatically renew each year; however, students must maintain full-time status (12-18 credits per semester) and a 3.0 GPA. Any students accepted into the Sokolov Honors College are eligible for additional scholarships, which can be combined with the Freshman Excellence Scholarship. Also, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has over 950 additional scholarships.
Penguin Tuition Promise:
The YSU Penguin Tuition Promise assures a fixed tuition rate for the pursuit of an undergraduate degree based on your first year of enrollment and remains unchanged for four consecutive academic years for full time students. The Penguin Tuition Promise is designed to keep the cost of college predictable and affordable in order to make budgeting plans for this important investment. YSU is not only a great value for Ohio residents, but also for those coming in from out-of-state. Our out-of-state tuition is only an additional $360 more per academic year than an Ohio resident. This exemplifies one of the many ways we can ensure attending YSU is accessible for any student, regardless of location.
Visit us
Come visit us and get the YSU experience! The Office of Admissions offers daily campus visits and multiple open house programs throughout the year, one of our largest being Penguin Preview Day. The best way to envision yourself as a future YSU Penguin is to come and experience everything we have to offer. If you are unable to visit in person, we also offer virtual appointments and tours. Click here to begin your journey!