Bluffton University vs. Cleveland State

Comparable Facts

Compare Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH with Cleveland State University in Cleveland, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cleveland State University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (14,074 students vs. 646 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluffton University is located in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting); Cleveland State University is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluffton University 11:1; Cleveland State University 16:1.

Bluffton University vs. Cleveland State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluffton University or Cleveland State? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Cleveland State University than Bluffton University ($16,230 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluffton University are 19.1% lower than at Cleveland State University ($12,220 vs. $15,104).
• Bluffton University is 187.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleveland State (about $24,374 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $12,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.8% higher at Bluffton University than at Cleveland State University (about $18,852 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at Cleveland State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 221.4% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($31,481 vs. $9,795).

Bluffton University vs. Cleveland State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluffton University or Cleveland State? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Cleveland State and Bluffton University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Cleveland State University (1010) is 10 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming Cleveland State students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bluffton University 860/1130; Cleveland State University 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bluffton University 16/22; Cleveland State University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluffton University - Test optional; Cleveland State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Cleveland State students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• Cleveland State has a higher acceptance rate (91.3%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9% at Bluffton University vs. 15.7% at Cleveland State.

Bluffton University vs. Cleveland State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluffton University and Cleveland State? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Cleveland State University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleveland State students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 47%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.