Cleveland State vs. Lincoln University

Comparable Facts

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

Cleveland State University is larger than Lincoln University based on total student enrollment (14,074 students vs. 1,670 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cleveland State University is located in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting); Lincoln University is in Lincoln University, PA (Town Fringe setting).
• Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lincoln University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cleveland State University 16:1; Lincoln University 12:1.

Cleveland State vs. Lincoln University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cleveland State or Lincoln 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 Lincoln University than Cleveland State ($14,473 vs. $16,230).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lincoln University are 23.1% lower than at Cleveland State University ($11,616 vs. $15,104).
• Cleveland State University is 3.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lincoln University (about $476 more per year; $12,988.00 vs. $12,512.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at Lincoln University than at Cleveland State University (about $874 more per year; $19,384.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lincoln University than at Cleveland State University (94% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lincoln University students is 40.4% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($13,750 vs. $9,795).

Cleveland State vs. Lincoln University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cleveland State University (1010) is 120 points higher than at Lincoln University (890).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleveland State University 880/1130; Lincoln University 820/960.
• 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; Lincoln University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027; Lincoln University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cleveland State students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Lincoln University (3.06).
• Cleveland State has a higher acceptance rate (91.3%) than Lincoln University (65.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at Cleveland State vs. 12.3% at Lincoln University.

Cleveland State vs. Lincoln University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cleveland State and Lincoln 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).

• Lincoln University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Cleveland State University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than Lincoln University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $35,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than Lincoln University graduates ($21,500 vs. $31,500).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lincoln University graduates ($222 vs. $325).
• More Cleveland State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lincoln University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 32%)

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.