Rochester University vs. Cleveland State

Comparable Facts

Compare Rochester University in Rochester Hills, MI 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 Rochester University based on total student enrollment (14,074 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rochester University is located in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting); Cleveland State University is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cleveland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rochester University 13:1; Cleveland State University 16:1.

Rochester University vs. Cleveland State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rochester 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 Rochester University ($16,230 vs. $21,611).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 30.6% lower than at Cleveland State University ($10,486 vs. $15,104).
• Rochester University is 124.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleveland State (about $16,208 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $12,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.7% higher at Rochester University than at Cleveland State University (about $10,686 more per year; $29,196.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University than at Cleveland State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rochester University students is 100.9% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($19,674 vs. $9,795).

Rochester University vs. Cleveland State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rochester 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 Rochester University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cleveland State University (1010) is 60 points higher than at Rochester University (950).
• Incoming Cleveland State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Rochester University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 840/1060; Cleveland State University 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rochester University 17/23; Cleveland State University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rochester University - Test-free; Cleveland State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cleveland State students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Rochester University (3.13).
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Cleveland State (91.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Rochester University vs. 15.7% at Cleveland State.

Rochester University vs. Cleveland State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rochester 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).

• Rochester University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Cleveland State University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $2,903 lower median loan debt than Rochester University graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,403).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rochester University graduates ($222 vs. $252).
• More Cleveland State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 45%)

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.