Cleveland State University campus
Cleveland State University logo

Cleveland State University

Type 4 year, Public
Campus locale City: Large
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system Semester
Student body size Medium
Common app member Yes
Dormitory capacity 1,011
Student to faculty ratio 16 to 1
Acceptance rate 91%
Students retention rate 70%
On-time graduation rate 51%

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland State is a public, institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate of 91% indicates that Cleveland State is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

Cleveland State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

The student retention rate of 70% at Cleveland State suggests that a significant percentage of students choose to continue their studies at the institution after their first-year.


  • Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

91.3%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$11,690

Cost of attendance at Cleveland State University in 2022 for students from Ohio.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Ohio's average $7,987
National average $8,573

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$16,653

Cost of attendance at Cleveland State University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Ohio's average $16,946
National average $18,862

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 92 of freshman students at Cleveland State University received on average $8,779 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$8,779
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 714 41% $5,104 $3,644,029
Other Federal Grant 718 41% $5,526 $3,967,721
State Grant/Scholarships 607 35% $2,516 $1,527,085
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 1,498 86% $5,790 $8,673,931
Total Grant & Scholarships 1,614 92% $8,779 $14,168,737

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Cleveland State University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Cleveland State University students is 50.8%. Female students graduated at a rate of 52.3%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 49.1%.

50.8%

  • asian 62.7% 37 students
  • African American 27.2% 72 students
  • white 56.7% 686 students
  • unknown 69.4% 25 students
  • hispanic 33.9% 40 students
  • International Students 63.4% 45 students
  • Mixed Race 39.8% 33 students

Sport Conferences

  • Basketball Horizon League
  • Track and Cross Country Horizon League

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Cleveland State University provides the following additional services to its students
  • Remedial services
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Cleveland State University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic
  • Occupational
  • Postbaccalaureate Recreational or avocational education
  • Adult basic remedial or high school equivalent

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Weekend/evening classes
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army
  • ROTC - Air Force

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
  • Recognized student veteran organization
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

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