Acceptance Rate
91%
Avg. SAT
1130
75th percentile
“Cleveland State University blends urban energy with hands-on learning in the heart of a gritty, comeback city.”
Cleveland, OH
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
Nestled in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland State University (CSU) emerged in 1964 as a public institution, building on the foundation of Fenn College, a private school dating back to 1923. Its mission has always been rooted in accessibility, aiming to serve the working-class and first-generation students of Northeast Ohio with affordable education. CSU’s personality is unpretentious and practical—think of it as a place that values grit over glamor, where the focus is on getting the job done rather than chasing prestige. You’ll find a diverse mix of commuters, non-traditional students, and locals who see CSU as a launchpad to better opportunities without leaving home.
What kind of student thrives here? If you’re independent, motivated, and comfortable navigating a bustling urban setting, CSU could feel like the perfect fit. It’s ideal for those who want a no-frills education, often balancing school with jobs or family responsibilities. However, if you’re looking for a traditional, tight-knit campus experience with a small-town feel, you might find CSU’s commuter-heavy vibe and lack of sprawling green quads a bit isolating. The surrounding area—downtown Cleveland—offers a raw, industrial charm with a reviving arts scene, pro sports teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Lake Erie’s waterfront. Be prepared, though, for harsh winters and a city still grappling with economic recovery, which can make off-campus life feel uneven at times.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Cleveland State University shines in programs that connect directly to real-world careers, particularly in business, engineering, and health sciences. Its Monte Ahuja College of Business is a standout, with strong ties to Cleveland’s corporate landscape, while the Washkewicz College of Engineering offers practical, project-based learning that often leads to local internships. You can expect a mix of classroom theory and applied skills, with many professors bringing industry experience to their teaching. Research opportunities exist, especially in urban studies and health-related fields, reflecting the university’s commitment to addressing regional challenges.
Class sizes vary—introductory courses might pack in a lot of students, especially for general education requirements, which can make personal attention harder to come by. If you’re proactive about seeking help or joining smaller upper-level classes, though, you’ll likely build connections with faculty. Some popular majors can feel competitive due to limited spots or resources, so staying on top of advising and deadlines is key. CSU isn’t a research powerhouse compared to larger state schools, so if you’re set on cutting-edge labs or niche academic pursuits, you might need to look elsewhere or supplement with external opportunities.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
9,482 undergrad • 4,592 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
51%
Black / African American
14%
Hispanic / Latino
7%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
24%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Cleveland, OH
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at Cleveland State University leans heavily on its urban setting—think less of a bubble and more of a gateway to Cleveland’s streets, music venues, and cultural spots like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As a commuter school, many students come for classes and head out, so building a social circle can take extra effort unless you dive into student organizations or live on campus. You’ll find a growing residential community, with dorms like Euclid Commons offering a modern base, but only a fraction of students stay there, and housing isn’t guaranteed for everyone. Traditions are understated—events like Homecoming or the annual Springfest bring some spirit, but they don’t dominate the calendar like at bigger sports schools.
Socially, CSU is what you make of it. If you’re outgoing, you can connect through clubs, Greek life, or events hosted by the student union, but the vibe isn’t party-driven, and the harsh Cleveland winters can keep people indoors. Off-campus life means dealing with a higher cost of living in downtown compared to rural campuses, plus navigating public transit or parking challenges if you drive. Still, the city’s energy—think cheap eats at West Side Market or catching a Guardians game—can be a huge perk if you embrace it.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Horizon League
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
70%
4 Years Graduation Rate
45%
6 Years Graduation Rate
57%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$52,131
70% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Cleveland State University and return in the fall. 45% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 57% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
45%
4-5 years
12%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
41%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$12,144
Acceptance
91%
Undergrads
9,482
4-Year Grad Rate
45%
Endowment
$107M
Cleveland, OH 44115-2214
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