University of Akron vs. Cleveland State

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH 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 University of Akron based on total student enrollment (14,074 students vs. 13,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Akron vs. Cleveland State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Akron 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 University of Akron Main Campus than Cleveland State ($14,693 vs. $16,230).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 21.2% lower than at Cleveland State University ($11,904 vs. $15,104).
• University of Akron Main Campus is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cleveland State (about $147 more per year; $13,135.00 vs. $12,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at University of Akron than at Cleveland State University (about $2,305 more per year; $20,815.00 vs. $18,510.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Akron Main Campus than at Cleveland State University (95% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students is 17.9% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($11,551 vs. $9,795).

University of Akron vs. Cleveland State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Akron 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 University of Akron.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Akron Main Campus (1050) is 40 points higher than at Cleveland State (1010).
• Incoming University of Akron students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at Cleveland State (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190; Cleveland State University 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Akron Main Campus 17/25; Cleveland State University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Akron - Open admission; Cleveland State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027; Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Akron students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Cleveland State (3.31).
• Cleveland State has a higher acceptance rate (91.3%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at University of Akron vs. 15.7% at Cleveland State.

University of Akron vs. Cleveland State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Akron 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).

• University of Akron Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Cleveland State University's (30%).
• Graduates from Cleveland State University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cleveland State University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than University of Akron graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, Cleveland State graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Akron graduates ($222 vs. $263).
• More Cleveland State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron 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.