ISU vs. Cleveland State

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Cleveland State based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 14,074 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Cleveland State University is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Cleveland State University 16:1.

ISU vs. Cleveland State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 ISU ($16,230 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 22.2% lower than at Cleveland State University ($11,754 vs. $15,104).
• Illinois State University is 24.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleveland State (about $3,156 more per year; $16,144.00 vs. $12,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.4% higher at ISU than at Cleveland State University (about $9,700 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois State University than at Cleveland State University (96% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois State University students is 32.5% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($12,974 vs. $9,795).

ISU vs. Cleveland State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 90 points higher than at Cleveland State (1010).
• Incoming ISU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at Cleveland State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Cleveland State University 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Cleveland State University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Cleveland State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Cleveland State (3.31).
• Cleveland State has a higher acceptance rate (91.3%) than ISU (88.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 15.7% at Cleveland State.

ISU vs. Cleveland State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Cleveland State graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($222 vs. $227).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cleveland State students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.