Capital University vs. Cleveland State

Comparable Facts

Compare Capital University in Columbus, 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 Capital University based on total student enrollment (14,074 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Capital University is located in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting); Cleveland State University is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Capital University 9:1; Cleveland State University 16:1.

Capital University vs. Cleveland State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Capital 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 Capital University ($16,230 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Capital University are 14% lower than at Cleveland State University ($12,984 vs. $15,104).
• Capital University is 232.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleveland State (about $30,246 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $12,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 133.6% higher at Capital University than at Cleveland State University (about $24,724 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Capital University than at Cleveland State University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 251.9% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($34,471 vs. $9,795).

Capital University vs. Cleveland State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Capital University or Cleveland State? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Cleveland State and Capital University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Capital University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Cleveland State (1010).
• Incoming Capital University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Cleveland State (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Capital University 910/1180; Cleveland State University 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Capital University 18/25; Cleveland State University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Capital University - Test optional; Cleveland State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Capital University May 1, 2027; Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Cleveland State (3.31).
• Cleveland State has a higher acceptance rate (91.3%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at Capital University vs. 15.7% at Cleveland State.

Capital University vs. Cleveland State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Capital University and Cleveland State? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Capital University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Cleveland State graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,300 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Capital University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleveland State students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.