Cleveland State vs. Franklin University

Comparable Facts

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

Cleveland State University is larger than Franklin University based on total student enrollment (14,074 students vs. 9,457 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cleveland State University is located in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting); Franklin University is in Columbus, OH (Large City setting).
• Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cleveland State University 16:1; Franklin University 17:1.

Cleveland State vs. Franklin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cleveland State or Franklin University? 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 Franklin University ($16,230 vs. $25,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cleveland State University are 9.8% lower than at Franklin University ($15,104 vs. $16,740).
• Cleveland State University is 35.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Franklin University (about $3,411 more per year; $12,988.00 vs. $9,577.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.3% higher at Cleveland State than at Franklin University (about $8,933 more per year; $18,510.00 vs. $9,577.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin University than at Cleveland State University (96% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cleveland State University students is 89.6% larger than aid received by Franklin University students ($9,795 vs. $5,166).

Cleveland State vs. Franklin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cleveland State or Franklin University? 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 Franklin University and Cleveland State.

• Franklin University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleveland State University 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleveland State University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cleveland State - Test-free; Franklin University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.

Cleveland State vs. Franklin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cleveland State and Franklin University? 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).

• Cleveland State University's six-year graduation rate (30%) is higher than Franklin University's (19%).
• Graduates from Franklin University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Cleveland State graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,100 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Franklin University graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Franklin University graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Cleveland State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Franklin University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 38%)

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.