Unigo Top Student Rated School

Cleveland State University

2121 Euclid Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44115-2214

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About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University. is a Public college. Located in Ohio, which is a city setting in Ohio, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 12,352 full time undergraduate students, and 4,512 full time graduate students.

The Cleveland State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 17:1. There are 546 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Cleveland State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate87%
Application Deadline
Application Fee40
SAT Range890-1160
ACT Range19-25

Admissions at CSU are considered Less Selective, with ,50% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 22 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

73% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 35% were in the top quarter, and 11% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Cleveland State University.

3%
“We”re apathetic”
23%
“We know about current events and vote”
63%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
13%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
8%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
54%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
50%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
41%
“I feel extremely safe”
8%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
57%
“We bought the gear”
36%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
19%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
49%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
28%
“We”re a very artistic group”
10%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
55%
“They keep regular office hours”
34%
“They”re always available”
5%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
48%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
45%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
46%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
39%
“We only party on weekends”
8%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
19%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
65%
“There might be people who do”
13%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
23%
“We know about current events and vote”
63%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
13%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
8%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
54%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
50%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
41%
“I feel extremely safe”
8%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
57%
“We bought the gear”
36%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
19%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
49%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
28%
“We”re a very artistic group”
10%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
55%
“They keep regular office hours”
34%
“They”re always available”
5%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
48%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
45%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
46%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
39%
“We only party on weekends”
8%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
19%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
65%
“There might be people who do”
13%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
4%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    133 Students rated on-campus housing 3.9 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    101 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    158 Students rated campus food 3.5 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    166 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    165 Students rated class size 4.2 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    165 Students rated school activities 3.7 stars. 30 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    166 Students rated local services 4 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    166 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.

Cleveland State University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Cleveland State University?

83 Students rated Cleveland State University

Henley
Prospective04/17/2025

Well considering I already attend CSU I would like to stick with it. I am a preparatory nursing student right now and applying for the nursing program in January. I am a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority, A Sisters in STEM representative, and the Vice President of the Women's Wrestling Club. CSU is a pretty nice school 10/10 would recommend.

Natasha
07/22/2024

Cleveland State University is a dynamic institution that offers a robust educational experience. Its urban campus, situated in the heart of Cleveland, provides students with ample opportunities for internships, research, and networking within a thriving metropolitan area. This strategic location allows for strong partnerships with local businesses, hospitals, and cultural institutions, enriching the academic and professional prospects for its students. CSU is known for its diverse student body and inclusive atmosphere. The university prides itself on providing accessible education to a wide range of students, including non-traditional and first-generation college attendees. This diversity fosters a rich learning environment where various perspectives and experiences enhance the educational journey. Academically, CSU offers a broad array of programs through its colleges, such as the College of Business, the College of Engineering, and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. The Monte Ahuja College of Business, in particular, has a strong reputation, benefiting from its close ties to Cleveland's business community. The Washkewicz College of Engineering is also notable for its cutting-edge research and industry connections. CSU's commitment to community engagement is evident through initiatives like the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, which addresses urban policy and planning issues. Additionally, the university's emphasis on experiential learning ensures that students graduate with practical skills and real-world experience. Overall, Cleveland State University is a commendable institution that balances academic rigor with practical application, making it a valuable choice for students seeking a well-rounded, urban-based education.

Shaina
09/20/2023

I genuinely love it here. There are some flaws - some of the offices and buildings are hard to find sometimes, and you really need to have the campus map downloaded on your phone if you want to be able to navigate. I like the innerlink though - it connects the major faculties on campus, and they keep it incredibly clean here. Like, it's rare to find garbage sitting out and about. The bathrooms are cleaned everyday, the food options increase with each semester (there's a Chick-Fil-A and Barrio's on campus now!). I wish that they would spend more money on the academic portions - cutting classes due to low enrollment doesn't help the people who signed up for the class. I believe they also could use more money to pay our professors more, they work really hard and do things way outside their job description to give us the best education that they can give us. Overall, great place to go, and very affordable for those who are in need.

Abhishek Naidu
11/22/2022

Cleveland state university Known for our engaged learning environment, CSU features small classes, world-renowned professors, more than 200 accredited academic programs and unparalleled real-world learning opportunities outside the classroom. Our partnerships with the Cleveland Clinic, USA National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA), Parker Hannifin, General Electric and many other Cleveland-based companies, organizations, and non-profits make it possible for you to get hands-on experience in your chosen field. Living in Cleveland means experiencing all four weather seasons. You'll also experience a vibrant arts scene, one of the top orchestras in the world, museums, independent film, famous restaurants, a thriving theater district, and more. Cleveland offers something for everyone from scenic park systems, a large freshwater lake, and outdoor recreation to the excitement of professional sports teams

Baylee
05/21/2020

I love this school with all my heart! As someone who tried a year at University of Akron, I was anything but happy and was not wanting to continue with college. Then I found Cleveland State and immediately felt welcome, safe, and excited to learn. The focus this school puts on their students is amazing, especially someone who pursued a science degree, I felt there were many ways to stay engaged and supported. Not to mention the easy access and love our city/campus has for sports in Cleveland! CSU made it possible to make it to many games and other fun things around the city. Proud Viking Alumni! Class of 2020.

Sydney
05/13/2020

I have been going here for 3 years now and I am very pleased with this school. The professors are usually great, the food is good, and there are plenty of things to do on and off of campus. I like that the majority of my classes are not huge so I can get the help I need from my professors if needed.

isabella
04/09/2020

Cleveland State University is an amazing college. The staff and students are constantly focused on helping each other succeed and reach their goals. There is not one student or staff member that I have met that is not willing to go above and beyond to help a struggling peer. There are so many resources to help you and encourage to to succeed here at Cleveland state, and they have so many amazing job opportunities in your major of study to get your foot into the water to start your new career when you are ready.

Johnathan
02/08/2020

Throughout my experience of shadowing Cleveland State it seems that it is a very positive place to be. Everyone gets along and is there for each other at all times. communication is key and Cleveland state is proud to offer it in all different types of aspects. Doing College visits is hard but Cleveland State was one that stood out to me because of the characteristics they hold as a community.

Megan
01/06/2020

There is so much to say about Cleveland State University. First, allow me to start by saying, I am not a believer in a traditional four-year college. I have found the idea of a four-year traditional college infused with old money and alumni status. I apologize, but due to me being an unorthodox student who not only works full-time but goes to school part-time with disabilities and diversifies her portfolio, I know for a factor universities such as Ohio State or the University of Cincinnati would still have me pay $13,000 per semester in comparison to Cleveland State in which I have $13,000 from three semesters. Cleveland State does an above-average job in providing a safe environment for those of us who want to continue in a four-year degree, but they cannot with other life events such as needing to work multiple jobs or full-time or do not have the money to go to big state institutions. The campus itself is in Cleveland and nearby the West Side Market and affordable restaurants, “the flats” which has turned into a high-end bar strip, restaurants, and club version of Ohio City, the nearby city known for college activity in bars and restaurants. However, the course catalog has a lot to be desired. For example, with it being a non-traditionalist school and it claims to have weekend classes, those courses are not well-promoted. Web-based courses are challenging to find, especially for language and linguistics. I am passable in four languages and fluent in two outside of English. To ensure my Mandarin and Korean were moved from passable to fluent, I searched for classes. Cleveland State’s language offering has a lot to be desired and “Chinese” language courses only had the first level. That being said, the opportunities are outstanding. Cleveland Clinic is in your backyard if you decide to go into health sciences, education, administration, or medicine. I considered becoming a foreign speech and pathologist (essentially working with trauma patients in which their native tongue is not English to help rebuild their vocabulary and help with phonological disorders in their mother language) due to having Cleveland Clinic right there. And while Case-Western can offer that as well, it comes at a steeper price. Well, the steeper price parents have to pay if you are fortunate. I admire that Cleveland State has disability services. I am a disabled student. I have a cane and walker I use intermittently with surgeries lined up, multiple specialists, prescriptions I have to take, and I suffer from random anxiety attacks and seizures. To make matters worse, my dyslexia and dyscalculia do not help me maintain model student status. Factor in working full-time and heading off to appointments, can you blame professors for not liking me? CSU, however, stepped in to grace me with disability services, prepping professors to respond to my emotional outbursts such as sudden crying or my anxiety. Even making sure I could take tests virtually to ensure I could still be a patient and an employee. Outside of my treatment at the Cleveland Clinic, I have never felt more well-looked after in my education. Cleveland State University is not for every student. Party fraternities are dry and, since I am not a partier, I am unfamiliar with the party scene. Study-wise, it is a bit disappointing that, when I did my semester at UC, I had access to the library 24/7 for all nightery sessions while CSU does not provide that sort of treatment. The trade-off, however, is much friendly staff. The professors I have witnessed have been kind to me and encourage me. I mainly e-commute to my classes, so I have not had any face-to-face interaction outside of school-based webcam sessions with them. But they have sent me such positivity and responded to my email inquiries fast enough. This semester will be my first time at this university in a lecture hall. Affordability, again, is big with CSU. However, their financial aid department and academic advising are a little shaky. Financial aid has known to pull some shady tricks in terms of letting you know when your disbursement is and reasons you may not qualify. Academic advising is nice to a point, but there is no effort into making sure you see your department heads on orientation day. Everything is “hit the ground running”, so to speak. Security is tight. I can indefinitely say I am pleased to see police and students patrolling. I have always worried about safety being independent and the campus feels safe to walk around during the day. At night, I will always recommend walking around with a buddy and with a charged phone, cash, and reflective gear of some kind in any place you go. All in all, for students in their undergraduate who are looking for an affordable four-year college that emphasizes more on its flexibility than nighttime scenery, I would recommend Cleveland State University for all majors outside of linguistics and language. And I would most definitely recommend it for disabled students as well. I cannot wait for my service dog to be on campus with me!

Alicia
09/26/2019

Cleveland State University is a pretty good school, especially for the price. I'm currently in a graduate program and the tuition was pretty good, but I was unfortunately wasn't offered financial aid. It's located right downtown where there's plenty of food options and shops to look around in, and it's right next to Playhouse Square, which is great if you're into theater. I have not been attending long, but the professors in my specific program are great and easily able to be reached.

David
09/09/2019

I like it. It is a good school, not too expensive, but you can still get a good education and have the chance to participate in activities. Lots of on-campus facilities, good housing, and nobody judges if you commute. Overall, a good experience. I recommend!

Ellen
07/16/2019

It is difficult to find good things to say about Cleveland State. The neighborhood is unsafe, the campus life is almost nonexistent and the parking is a mess and WAY too expensive. With regard to the quality of the education, there are small pockets of greatness in some departments. For the most part, the professors do not care much about how much you learn or what your goals are in life. Many professors are nasty and difficult to talk to. You can tell that some faculty members don't even like students. It is a true shame that so much money was put into physical facilities without investing in better teaching and services for students. Until Cleveland State figures this out, it will remain an afterthought. I wish I had been encouraged to explore numerous other schools in the Cleveland area. There is more to college than tuition savings. Cleveland State is not the best choice for serious students.

Justin
06/26/2019

College was always an extremely nerve racking thing that everyone always somehow managed to scare me about. More work, less guidance, bigger buildings, more students! The fear was always in the back of my mind, all the way up to orientation day. Once I saw the campus and interacted with staff and students I was beyond relieved, actually I was excited. The attitude and ora of the entire campus is one of caring curiosity. Everyone is there to further their learning and they aren't shy about including others. I am excited everyday to come to class and see people just as, if not more, excited about the subjects we discuss. Cleveland State blew my expectations out of the water and even my accompanying mom and girlfriend both wished they could go here as well. I am super excited to see and utilize the hundreds of FREE student opportunities it has to offer, and look back at my degree with the fondest of memories so I can recruit more people to attend like so many did to me.

Patrick
06/05/2019

I have only visited Cleveland State University a few times, but each time the amount of enthusiasm about campus and the college, both by students, and alumni is incredible. During orientation they had multitudes of clubs to explore and join, and even more to seek out on their website. I am extremely excited to go to CSU in the fall and the amount of money and effort they have put into campus and the college shows.

Rose-Mary
05/31/2019

I think CSU is a great place for getting both a college experience and a city experience, as it's directly downtown. Parking can be an issue, as CSU isn't necessarily built for commuters. Commuters are often neglected in winter and bad weather conditions, as classes are rarely cancelled. However, if you live on-campus, there are many food, coffee, and convenience shops near-by. Several delivery apps also deliver to the campus within 30 minutes, which is convenient when you'd prefer not to walk to the stores.

Cleveland State University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Cleveland State University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Cleveland State University is 87%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I would just tell myself not to allow outside pressures influence how I achieve in college.

    Read all 132 answers
  3. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The worst thing about this school is that there is not much to do unless you're into the downtown Cleveland nightlife or working out all the time at the Rec Center.

    Read all 30 answers
  4. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about Euclid High School is that the teachers are polite and its obvious that they enjoy their profession.

    Read all 29 answers
  5. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are all eager to learn, and are interested in the classes they're taking, so it makes it easier to pass the class when everyone else is just as involved as you are.

    Read all 28 answers
  6. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    The school i'm attending is very diverse, which makes it great.

    Read all 26 answers
  7. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I would have known that college is a lot harder than high school and that studying is a must, to be successful and obtain your future goals hardwork is a must and will pay off

    Read all 23 answers
  8. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I do tell a lot of people that the school is culturally diverse which provides so many wonderful opportunities for personal growth. The atmosphere makes for a very accepting, tolerant and friendly situation. Cleveland State University (CSU) may not be an Ivy League or "top-notch" college but it offers a very good education at competitive prices. The school is well known for its law school (Cleveland Marshall), nursing program and especially the engineering programs. In addition, we're right down the street from Playhouse Square, the 2nd best theatre district in the United States.

    Read all 23 answers
  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    What I have found that is unique about my school is that the school's Theatre Department had recently bought the Allen Theatre from Playhouse Square. This was a tremendous factor when I considered which Theatre Department was profitable and instructionally savvy enough to attend and be a part of.

    Read all 22 answers
  10. What kind of person should attend this school?

    I think anyone that wants to continue their education should attend this school.

    Read all 20 answers
  11. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    everyone should attend

    Read all 17 answers
  12. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    payments include tuition, parking, books, etc. In addition, there are two many general requirements for graduation, and many of the classes' credits exceed what is needed.

    Read all 13 answers
  13. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    The sports and other community related activities.

    Read all 12 answers
  14. What are the academics like at your school?

    Again, the superb professors really make the educational experience at Cleveland State a positive one. It can be difficult, especially in lower level classes, to deal with many students that do not seem to care about academics whatsoever. The English Department has especially accomplished professors who are more than happy to work with exceptional students one-on-one. And if you like British Literature, CSU's English program is definitely for you!

    Read all 3 answers
  15. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The professors at CSU are amazing! They truly care about each student and they are what makes CSU a great school to attend. Being located in downtown Cleveland is another plus-if you enjoy good restaurants. Of course, with being on an urban campus also comes the crime rates. It is very important to keep your wits about you when walking on campus, because their are quite a few incidents that occur on campus- when in doubt call the security escort!

    Read all 2 answers
  16. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Basketball

    Read all 1 answers
  17. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    The students at CSU are often viewed as "non-traditional", meaning that many students are transfers and older people already in the workforce looking to increase their level of education. While the demographic statistics certainly show that, the "non-traditional" student body broadens the educational experience for all CSU students. The different experiences and backgrounds of a diverse student body enriches college life for everyone at CSU.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

53%

female

47%

male

12,352

Total Undergrad Enrollment

4,512

Total Grad Students

7%

Out-Of-State

91%

In-State

2%

International

Organizations

228

Student Organizations

12

Fraternities

12

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

7%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
4%
% Black or African-American
17%
% Hispanic/Latino
5%
% White or Caucasian
63%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

90% of students attending Cleveland State University receive some sort of financial aid. 46% were awarded federal grants.61%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$13,819

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$800

Books and Supplies

$12,000

Room and Board

26,619

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$13,899
$30 - $48K
$14,835
$48 - $75K
$17,954
$75 - $110K
$20,020
$110K & UP
$19,890

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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