About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University. is a Public college. Located in Ohio, which is a city setting in Ohio, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 12,352 full time undergraduate students, and 4,512 full time graduate students.

The Cleveland State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 17:1. There are 546 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Cleveland State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate87%
Application Deadline
Application Fee40
SAT Range890-1160
ACT Range19-25

Admissions at CSU are considered Less Selective, with ,50% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 22 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

73% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 35% were in the top quarter, and 11% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Cleveland State University.

3%
“We”re apathetic”
23%
“We know about current events and vote”
63%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
13%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
8%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
54%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
50%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
41%
“I feel extremely safe”
8%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
57%
“We bought the gear”
36%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
19%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
49%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
28%
“We”re a very artistic group”
10%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
55%
“They keep regular office hours”
34%
“They”re always available”
5%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
48%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
45%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
46%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
39%
“We only party on weekends”
8%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
19%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
65%
“There might be people who do”
13%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
23%
“We know about current events and vote”
63%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
13%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
8%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
54%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
50%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
41%
“I feel extremely safe”
8%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
57%
“We bought the gear”
36%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
19%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
49%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
28%
“We”re a very artistic group”
10%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
55%
“They keep regular office hours”
34%
“They”re always available”
5%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
48%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
45%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
46%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
39%
“We only party on weekends”
8%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
19%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
65%
“There might be people who do”
13%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    133 Students rated on-campus housing 3.9 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    101 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    158 Students rated campus food 3.5 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    166 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    165 Students rated class size 4.2 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    165 Students rated school activities 3.7 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    166 Students rated local services 4 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    166 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.

Cleveland State University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Cleveland State University?

82 Students rated Cleveland State University

Natasha - 07/22/2024

Cleveland State University is a dynamic institution that offers a robust educational experience. Its urban campus, situated in the heart of Cleveland, provides students with ample opportunities for internships, research, and networking within a thriving metropolitan area. This strategic location allows for strong partnerships with local businesses, hospitals, and cultural institutions, enriching the academic and professional prospects for its students. CSU is known for its diverse student body and inclusive atmosphere. The university prides itself on providing accessible education to a wide range of students, including non-traditional and first-generation college attendees. This diversity fosters a rich learning environment where various perspectives and experiences enhance the educational journey. Academically, CSU offers a broad array of programs through its colleges, such as the College of Business, the College of Engineering, and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. The Monte Ahuja College of Business, in particular, has a strong reputation, benefiting from its close ties to Cleveland's business community. The Washkewicz College of Engineering is also notable for its cutting-edge research and industry connections. CSU's commitment to community engagement is evident through initiatives like the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, which addresses urban policy and planning issues. Additionally, the university's emphasis on experiential learning ensures that students graduate with practical skills and real-world experience. Overall, Cleveland State University is a commendable institution that balances academic rigor with practical application, making it a valuable choice for students seeking a well-rounded, urban-based education.

Shaina - 09/20/2023

I genuinely love it here. There are some flaws - some of the offices and buildings are hard to find sometimes, and you really need to have the campus map downloaded on your phone if you want to be able to navigate. I like the innerlink though - it connects the major faculties on campus, and they keep it incredibly clean here. Like, it's rare to find garbage sitting out and about. The bathrooms are cleaned everyday, the food options increase with each semester (there's a Chick-Fil-A and Barrio's on campus now!). I wish that they would spend more money on the academic portions - cutting classes due to low enrollment doesn't help the people who signed up for the class. I believe they also could use more money to pay our professors more, they work really hard and do things way outside their job description to give us the best education that they can give us. Overall, great place to go, and very affordable for those who are in need.

Abhishek Naidu - 11/22/2022

Cleveland state university Known for our engaged learning environment, CSU features small classes, world-renowned professors, more than 200 accredited academic programs and unparalleled real-world learning opportunities outside the classroom. Our partnerships with the Cleveland Clinic, USA National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA), Parker Hannifin, General Electric and many other Cleveland-based companies, organizations, and non-profits make it possible for you to get hands-on experience in your chosen field. Living in Cleveland means experiencing all four weather seasons. You'll also experience a vibrant arts scene, one of the top orchestras in the world, museums, independent film, famous restaurants, a thriving theater district, and more. Cleveland offers something for everyone from scenic park systems, a large freshwater lake, and outdoor recreation to the excitement of professional sports teams

Baylee - 05/21/2020

I love this school with all my heart! As someone who tried a year at University of Akron, I was anything but happy and was not wanting to continue with college. Then I found Cleveland State and immediately felt welcome, safe, and excited to learn. The focus this school puts on their students is amazing, especially someone who pursued a science degree, I felt there were many ways to stay engaged and supported. Not to mention the easy access and love our city/campus has for sports in Cleveland! CSU made it possible to make it to many games and other fun things around the city. Proud Viking Alumni! Class of 2020.

Cleveland State University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Cleveland State University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Cleveland State University is 87%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I would just tell myself not to allow outside pressures influence how I achieve in college.

    Read all 132 answers
  3. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The worst thing about this school is that there is not much to do unless you're into the downtown Cleveland nightlife or working out all the time at the Rec Center.

    Read all 30 answers
  4. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about Euclid High School is that the teachers are polite and its obvious that they enjoy their profession.

    Read all 29 answers
  5. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are all eager to learn, and are interested in the classes they're taking, so it makes it easier to pass the class when everyone else is just as involved as you are.

    Read all 28 answers
  6. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    The school i'm attending is very diverse, which makes it great.

    Read all 26 answers
  7. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I would have known that college is a lot harder than high school and that studying is a must, to be successful and obtain your future goals hardwork is a must and will pay off

    Read all 23 answers
  8. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I do tell a lot of people that the school is culturally diverse which provides so many wonderful opportunities for personal growth. The atmosphere makes for a very accepting, tolerant and friendly situation. Cleveland State University (CSU) may not be an Ivy League or "top-notch" college but it offers a very good education at competitive prices. The school is well known for its law school (Cleveland Marshall), nursing program and especially the engineering programs. In addition, we're right down the street from Playhouse Square, the 2nd best theatre district in the United States.

    Read all 23 answers
  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    What I have found that is unique about my school is that the school's Theatre Department had recently bought the Allen Theatre from Playhouse Square. This was a tremendous factor when I considered which Theatre Department was profitable and instructionally savvy enough to attend and be a part of.

    Read all 22 answers
  10. What kind of person should attend this school?

    I think anyone that wants to continue their education should attend this school.

    Read all 20 answers
  11. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    everyone should attend

    Read all 17 answers
  12. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    payments include tuition, parking, books, etc. In addition, there are two many general requirements for graduation, and many of the classes' credits exceed what is needed.

    Read all 13 answers
  13. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    The sports and other community related activities.

    Read all 12 answers
  14. What are the academics like at your school?

    Again, the superb professors really make the educational experience at Cleveland State a positive one. It can be difficult, especially in lower level classes, to deal with many students that do not seem to care about academics whatsoever. The English Department has especially accomplished professors who are more than happy to work with exceptional students one-on-one. And if you like British Literature, CSU's English program is definitely for you!

    Read all 3 answers
  15. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The professors at CSU are amazing! They truly care about each student and they are what makes CSU a great school to attend. Being located in downtown Cleveland is another plus-if you enjoy good restaurants. Of course, with being on an urban campus also comes the crime rates. It is very important to keep your wits about you when walking on campus, because their are quite a few incidents that occur on campus- when in doubt call the security escort!

    Read all 2 answers
  16. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Basketball

    Read all 1 answers
  17. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The students at CSU are often viewed as "non-traditional", meaning that many students are transfers and older people already in the workforce looking to increase their level of education. While the demographic statistics certainly show that, the "non-traditional" student body broadens the educational experience for all CSU students. The different experiences and backgrounds of a diverse student body enriches college life for everyone at CSU.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

53%

female

47%

male

12,352

Total Undergrad Enrollment

4,512

Total Grad Students

7%

Out-Of-State

91%

In-State

2%

International

Organizations

228

Student Organizations

12

Fraternities

12

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

7%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
4%
% Black or African-American
17%
% Hispanic/Latino
5%
% White or Caucasian
63%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

90% of students attending Cleveland State University receive some sort of financial aid. 46% were awarded federal grants. While 61% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$13,819

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$800

Books and Supplies

$12,000

Room and Board

26,619

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$13,899
$30 - $48K
$14,835
$48 - $75K
$17,954
$75 - $110K
$20,020
$110K & UP
$19,890

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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