Cleveland State University
About Cleveland State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Cleveland State University is a public urban research university in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. It offers programs in engineering, business, law, and health sciences, and its downtown location provides strong ties to local employers and industries.
Founded
1964
Location
Cleveland, Ohio
Students
13,561
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
91.3%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
50.6%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$12,988
Out-of-state: $18,510
Avg Net Price
$14,764
After financial aid
SAT Average
1090
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$52,131
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Cleveland State University accepts the majority of applicants at 91.3%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1090/ 1600
Average: 1090 out of 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
50.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
70.3%
4-Year Grad
33%
6-Year Grad
51%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
84%
$/Student
$12.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 33% graduation rate is below average, but 70.3% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$12,988
In-State
$18,510
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$15,104
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$27,159
After Financial Aid
$14,764
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,958
Receive Grants
40.5%
Take Loans
73.7%
The total cost of attendance runs about $27,159/yr, including $15,104 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $14,764.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Cleveland State University fund their education.
While in School
40.5%
Get Grants
Free money
73.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$33,556
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,797
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$231/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $21,797 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Cleveland State University.
Gender
53.5%
Female
47%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
8,969
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
4,592
Graduates
38.4%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
18.7%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 47% men). 38.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 6% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
8,969
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Cleveland State University fields 11 varsity teams with 388 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Horizon League
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
388
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
50% / 50%
194
Men
194
Women
8
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Cleveland State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$52,131
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$67K
211 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
210 grads
1yr Earnings
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
$35K
142 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
$38K
99 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$47K
91 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$29K
85 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $45K six years out, growing to $52K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cleveland State University
What is the acceptance rate at Cleveland State University?▾
How much does Cleveland State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Cleveland State University?▾
How much do Cleveland State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.