Cleveland State vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

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

Ohio University Main Campus is larger than Cleveland State based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 14,074 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cleveland State University is located in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cleveland State University 16:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

Cleveland State vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cleveland State or Ohio 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 Ohio University ($16,230 vs. $21,907).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio University Main Campus are 6.2% lower than at Cleveland State University ($14,162 vs. $15,104).
• Ohio University Main Campus is 9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleveland State (about $1,170 more per year; $14,158.00 vs. $12,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.2% higher at Ohio University than at Cleveland State University (about $6,328 more per year; $24,838.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio University Main Campus than at Cleveland State University (94% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cleveland State University students is 4% larger than aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students ($9,795 vs. $9,422).

Cleveland State vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ohio University Main Campus (1190) is 180 points higher than at Cleveland State (1010).
• Incoming Ohio University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Cleveland State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleveland State University 880/1130; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleveland State University 18/25; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cleveland State - Test-free; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027; Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ohio University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Cleveland State (3.31).
• Cleveland State has a higher acceptance rate (91.3%) than Ohio University (85%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at Cleveland State vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

Cleveland State vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cleveland State and Ohio 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).

• Ohio University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of about $300 more per year than Cleveland State graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Cleveland State graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cleveland State graduates ($211 vs. $222).
• More Ohio University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleveland State students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.