Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Online | csuohio.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Cleveland State University occupies an urban campus in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, positioned along Lake Erie and integrated within the city's business district. The public institution, established in 1964 through the acquisition of Fenn College, features a mix of modern and mid-century architecture spread across 85 acres in the heart of Cleveland's metropolitan area. CSU operates nine academic colleges, with notable strengths in business, engineering, education, and urban affairs, while maintaining partnerships with nearby hospitals and medical facilities for its nursing and health sciences programs. The university primarily serves commuter students, though it maintains several residence halls and apartment-style housing options on campus. Division I athletic programs compete in the Horizon League as the Vikings, with basketball games played at the Wolstein Center, the university's downtown arena.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Cleveland State is rated within the lower 42% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Cleveland State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#769 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#274 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#33 in Best Colleges in Ohio
#7 in Best Public Colleges in Ohio
#59 in Best Value Colleges in Ohio
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 880/1130 |
| ACT | 18/25 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.31 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Ohio Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Other Fees | $110 |
| Room and Board | $14,197 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,570 |
| Total One Year Cost | $30,821 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Other Fees | $110 |
| Room and Board | $14,197 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,570 |
| Total One Year Cost | $36,036 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 23% |
| Social Sciences | 14% |
| Health Professions | 12% |
| Communication | 8% |
| Psychology | 8% |
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Students considering Cleveland State are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Cleveland State University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=202134 IPEDS survey data for Cleveland State University.
Current students may use the Cleveland State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024