Cleveland State University: 85.3% Acceptance Rate

85.3%Acceptance

$12,613Tuition

9,077Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$52,131Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University serves 9,077 students in downtown Cleveland's bustling urban core. The school built its reputation around cooperative education programs that blend classroom learning with real-world work experience. This public research university particularly excels at serving working students who need flexible scheduling. Notable graduates include former presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich and beloved comedian Tim Conway, both of whom leveraged their Cleveland State education into prominent careers.

Students pay an average net price of $16,065 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable urban university options. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,131 ten years after graduation, which provides solid returns on the typical debt load of $21,797. The math works well for most students, especially considering 39% receive Pell Grants and the school keeps costs reasonable for both in-state and out-of-state families.

Cleveland State maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio despite its urban public status. The student body draws heavily from Ohio, with 92.5% coming from in-state. Vikings athletics compete in NCAA Division I through the Horizon League, offering 17 varsity sports programs. The 48.9% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students work while attending, taking longer to complete degrees but building valuable professional experience along the way.

Academics & Faculty

Cleveland State operates as an urban public research university that has built its reputation around cooperative education programs and serving working students in downtown Cleveland. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors for the 9,077 enrolled students. However, the 48.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and academics. The university is particularly known for its engineering, business, and health sciences programs, which align well with Cleveland's industrial heritage and healthcare sector. CSU's co-op programs allow students to gain real-world experience while earning their degrees, making it a practical choice for career-focused students in Ohio's largest city.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 52.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 48.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.9%
Retention Rate: 69.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $52,131
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Master	$77,966
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$75,204
Education, General.	Doctoral	$73,446
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$65,849
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$65,610
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.	Master	$65,332
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$64,406
Education, Other.	Certificate	$63,997
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$63,666
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$61,888

View all 160 programs →

Campus Life

Downtown Cleveland surrounds this urban campus, where 92.50% of students come from Ohio and many balance work with classes. Only about 24% of the 9,077 students live in campus housing, creating a commuter school atmosphere where parking fills up fast and students often grab coffee between jobs and lectures. The Lake Erie winds make Cleveland winters brutal, so pack heavy coats for trudging through snow from October through March.

Students here are practical about college. With 39.01% receiving Pell Grants and many working part-time jobs, weekends often mean catching up on coursework or picking up shifts downtown. The cooperative education program sends students into Cleveland's hospitals, banks, and tech companies for real work experience. Campus events compete with the attractions of downtown Cleveland, from Playhouse Square theaters to Progressive Field baseball games. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in smaller upper-level courses. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes the way it might at residential campuses.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 2,202 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1964

Campus Safety (2023)

140 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	29	1	23
Robbery	2	0	19
Aggravated Assault	2	1	15
Burglary	15	3	0
Rape	4	2	3
Fondling	5	1	2
Dating Violence	3	3	0
Stalking	4	0	0
Domestic Violence	0	0	2
Arson	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–35°F
July Avg: 67°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 33.3"
Annual Snowfall: 63.8"

Student Demographics

Cleveland State draws heavily from Ohio, with 92.5% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the university's mission as an accessible urban institution serving the local Cleveland community. The student body of 9,077 includes a significant number of working adults and commuters who value the downtown location. Nearly 40% receive Pell Grants, showing CSU's commitment to serving students from modest economic backgrounds. The campus attracts a diverse mix of students, with strong representation from Cleveland's urban communities. Many students choose CSU for its cooperative education programs that connect directly to Cleveland's job market.

Men: 46.7%
Women: 53.3%
White: 57.8%
Black: 16.4%
Hispanic: 9.1%
Asian: 4.0%
In-State Students: 92.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 39.0%

Location

Cleveland State University sits in downtown Cleveland, Ohio's second-largest city with over 380,000 residents. The campus occupies 85 acres in the heart of Cleveland's central business district, putting students within walking distance of major employers, cultural venues, and professional sports stadiums. Cleveland anchors northeastern Ohio's rust belt region, known for its industrial heritage and ongoing urban revitalization efforts. The university serves as an urban campus where 92.50% of students come from in-state, many drawn by the downtown setting and cooperative education opportunities with local businesses. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Cleveland State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2214

Nance College Of Business Administration1

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $52,131
Median Earnings (5 years): $56,881
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 47.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $231/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,797

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Cleveland State University?

Cleveland State University accepts 85.32% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1005, with the middle 50% scoring between 880 and 1130. This open-access approach aligns with CSU's mission to serve working students and the diverse Cleveland community.

How much does Cleveland State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Cleveland State University is $16,065 after financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,058 on average. With 39% of students receiving Pell Grants, CSU maintains affordability for working-class families in Cleveland.

What academic programs is Cleveland State University known for?

Cleveland State University operates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The university is particularly recognized for its cooperative education programs that connect students with Cleveland's business community. CSU serves as an urban research university focused on practical, career-oriented education.

What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Cleveland State University?

Cleveland State University graduates 48.9% of students within six years, with graduates earning a median salary of $52,131 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate reaches 95.1% for graduates. Many students work while attending, which can extend time to graduation but leads to strong professional networks.

Where is Cleveland State University located and what is campus life like?

Cleveland State University sits in downtown Cleveland with housing for 2,202 students. The campus serves 9,077 students, with 92.5% coming from Ohio. As an urban campus, students have access to Cleveland's internships, jobs, and cultural attractions while maintaining a close-knit university community.

Does Cleveland State University have Division I athletics?

Cleveland State University competes in NCAA Division I as the Vikings in the Horizon League. The university fields 17 varsity sports with 354 total athletes. CSU provides $3.6 million in athletic scholarships, supporting competitive programs while maintaining focus on academics and community engagement.