Case Western Reserve University
#1 Best Online Colleges in Ohio- Graduation Rate
- 87% A
- Most students who enroll finish their degree here
- Earnings (10yr)
- $87,989 A+
- Top 2% nationally — exceptional earning power
- Net Price
- $41,190 F
- 140% more than the typical college
- Acceptance Rate
- 37% A
- Selective, but achievable with strong credentials
Bottom line: A B- overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 12.8× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $12.8 over 20 years. Ranked #1 in Best Online Colleges in Ohio.
Every $1 spent returns $12.8 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,944,867.
What The Data Says
-
A B- overall — outcomes above the typical U.S. college.
-
Graduates earn 116% more than the national college median.
-
A 87% graduation rate — 52% above the national average.
-
Inventor rate in the top 6% nationally — patents, startups, and new technology flow from its graduates.
-
A top feeder school for 1 major employer.
Economic Footprint
- Inventor Rate
- 5.0%
- Top 6%
- Patents
- 266
- Linked to graduates
- World Rank
- #65
- Times Higher Education
- Employer Pipelines
- 1
- Top feeder programs
- Patent Citations
- 245
- Downstream influence
- Research Score
- 54/100
- Times Higher Education
Why Case Western Reserve University Matters
Case Western Reserve University is a private research university in Cleveland, OH ranked #65 in the world by Times Higher Education, and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by a top-tier research enterprise, an unusually high rate of inventors and patents, and a well-connected, high-opportunity alumni network. The result: graduates whose earnings land in the top 2% of all U.S. colleges.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Private Research University
- Carnegie Class
- R1 · Very High Research
- Enrollment
- 6,437
- Setting
- Urban
- Primary Strengths
- Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, Health Professions
Why students choose Case Western Reserve University
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Selective — admits about 37% of applicants, with a middle-50% SAT of 1430–1540. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $41,190 a year after grants and scholarships — 140% above the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $87,989 ten years after enrolling — 116% above the typical college, against $24,000 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Moves 1.8% of its students from the bottom income fifth to the top — top 36% nationally for mobility. High social capital (1.65 economic connectedness).
See mobility →Overview
With an enrollment of nearly 6,500 students and a 37% acceptance rate, Case Western Reserve University attracts those who are serious about their education and future. Here, students dive into strong programs in Engineering, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, and Business. The 87% graduation rate speaks volumes about the supportive environment that enables students to succeed academically and professionally.
Looking ahead, the earning potential for graduates is promising, with a ten-year median income of about $87,989. That’s a significant number, especially when we think about what it means for students entering the workforce. It’s not just about the degree but also how well it translates into financial stability and career advancement. While the school has an 18% Pell Grant rate, indicating that some students come from lower-income backgrounds, the return on investment seems solid based on those earnings.
When considering the financial aspects, the net price after aid hovers around $41,190, which can feel daunting. However, the median debt for graduates is $24,000, suggesting that many students manage to graduate with a reasonable debt load. Those who thrive at Case Western tend to be motivated, goal-oriented individuals who are ready to engage deeply with their studies and take advantage of the university's resources. This school seems like a good fit for students who are prepared to dive into a challenging academic environment while keeping an eye on their future careers.
Rankings
Can I Get In?
How selective Case Western Reserve University is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into Case Western Reserve University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Case Western Reserve University, located in Cleveland, Ohio, reviews applications selectively. The acceptance rate runs near 37%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,513. The graduation rate is roughly 87%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 37%
- Retention Rate
- 92%
- SAT Average
- 1513
- ACT Midpoint
- 34
- SAT Range
- 1430–1540
- ACT Range
- 32–34
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $13,338
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.76
- First-Gen Students
- 11%
- Applicants
- 38,701
- Admitted
- 10,607
Inside the Admissions Office
School-reported Common Data Set · 2025-26
The acceptance rate tells you how hard Case Western Reserve University is to get into. Its Common Data Set tells you what happens once you are admitted: how many students say yes, how many arrived without test scores, and whether applying early tilts the odds. 12% of admitted students go on to enroll here, making it a school most admitted students ultimately pass on.
- Yield Rate
- 12%
- of admits enroll
- Submitted SAT
- 52%
- of enrolled freshmen
- Submitted ACT
- 15%
- of enrolled freshmen
- Early Decision Admit Rate
- 25.0%
- vs 35.3% overall
Applying early pays off here. Of 1,053 Early Decision applicants, 263 were admitted — a 25.0% admit rate, roughly 0.7× the 35.3% rate for the overall pool. That binding round alone filled about 16% of the entering class (263 of 1,663 first-years). The catch: Early Decision is a commitment you make before you can compare aid offers.
Test-optional, in practice. Only about 67% of enrolled freshmen submitted an SAT or ACT score, so a strong application without test scores is genuinely competitive here, not a long shot.
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Case Western Reserve University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Case Western Reserve University is $66,608, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $41,190. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $19,025 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $24,000 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $66,608
- Out-of-State
- $66,608
- Avg Net Price
- $41,190
- Median Debt
- $24,000
- Pell Grant Rate
- 18%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 47%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $19,025
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $18,506
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $20,849
- Family Income $110K+
- $53,061
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at Case Western Reserve University — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is Case Western Reserve University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Case Western Reserve University earn a median of $87,989, well above the national average for bachelor's degree holders.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $75,613
- 8 Years
- $77,640
- 10 Years
- $87,989
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.27x
- Earning > $25K
- 86%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (860)
- 67%
- 100% (860)
- 67%
- 100% (860)
- 67%
- 100% (860)
- 67%
Where Grads Go
Case Western Reserve University is a top feeder for:
Rank among programs feeding each employer.
Top employers of Case Western Reserve University’s MBA graduates, by hires reported in the school’s employment report.
- Amazon ✓ VerifiedTechnology · Class of 2023
- Banesco Bank ✓ VerifiedFinance & banking · Class of 2023
- Biogen ✓ VerifiedOther · Class of 2023
- Citizens M&A Advisory ✓ VerifiedFinance & banking · Class of 2023
- Cleveland Foundation ✓ VerifiedOther · Class of 2023
- Colliers ✓ VerifiedOther · Class of 2023
- Deloitte ✓ VerifiedConsulting · Class of 2023
- DISH Network ✓ VerifiedOther · Class of 2023
- Epoch Pi ✓ VerifiedOther · Class of 2023
- FoxConn ✓ VerifiedOther · Class of 2023
- INSIGHT2PROFIT ✓ VerifiedOther · Class of 2023
- JB Hunt ✓ VerifiedOther · Class of 2023
- KeyBanc Capital Markets ✓ VerifiedFinance & banking · Class of 2023
- Penn State University ✓ VerifiedOther · Class of 2023
- Penske Truck Leasing ✓ VerifiedOther · Class of 2023
- Permco ✓ VerifiedOther · Class of 2023
- Process Technology ✓ VerifiedTechnology · Class of 2023
- Rang Technologies ✓ VerifiedTechnology · Class of 2023
- Samsung Electronics via LaSai Technologies ✓ VerifiedTechnology · Class of 2023
- Sia Partners ✓ VerifiedOther · Class of 2023
- Weatherhead School of Management ✓ VerifiedOther · Class of 2023
How Case Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
The Mobility Equation
Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?
College ROI Calculator
Is Case Western Reserve University Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, Case Western Reserve University delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $41,190/year ($164,760 total). Graduates earn $87,989 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $2,109,627 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,944,867 (12.8× your investment). The median debt is $24,000, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 87% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $164,760
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $2,109,627
- Net Return
- $1,944,867
- ROI Multiple
- 12.8×
- Cost Per Year
- $41,190
- Median Debt
- $24,000
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 87%
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Social Mobility
Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records
Does Case Western Reserve University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Case Western Reserve University is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.79%, well above the typical college. Access is narrower: only about 3.3% of students come from the bottom income quintile, typical of more selective, higher-income institutions. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 54.7% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $118,200, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
- Mobility Rate
- 1.79%
- Bottom 20% → Top 20%
- Success Rate
- 54.7%
- If bottom 20% get in
- From Bottom 20%
- 3.3%
- Share of students
- Parent Median Income
- $160,592
- today's $ (2015 cohort data)
Research & Teaching
Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings
How Research-Intensive Is Case Western Reserve University? World Rank, Teaching & Citations
Times Higher Education places Case Western Reserve University at #65 worldwide, a mark of serious research standing. Its profile spans a research score of 54/100, teaching at 67/100, and citation impact of 66/100, reflecting both the volume of research output and how often that work is cited by scholars elsewhere.
- World Rank
- #65
- Teaching
- 67.2
- Research
- 53.8
- Citations
- 66
- International
- 56.5
Innovation & Knowledge Creation
Patents, inventors, and research influence · Opportunity Insights & Times Higher Education
Case Western Reserve University produces inventors at an exceptional rate — the top 6% of U.S. colleges, with 266 patents tied to its graduates, and ranks among research universities with a 54/100 research score.
- Inventor Rate
- 4.99%
- Top 6% nationally
- Patents Produced
- 266
- Linked to graduates
- Patent Citations
- 245
- Downstream influence
- Research Score
- 54/100
- Times Higher Ed
- Academic Influence
- 66/100
- Citation impact (THE)
- Inventors From Low-Income
- 3.17%
- Bottom-20% families
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
- Investment Income
- $-168,547,300
Top Programs
The fields Case Western Reserve University awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Engineering 23% $83,000 early-career
- Biology & Biomedical 19% $29,768 early-career
- Computer Science & IT 12% $85,045 early-career
- Health Professions 8% $71,345 early-career
- Business & Marketing 8% $68,105 early-career
- Social Sciences 6% $45,495 early-career
- Psychology 6% $26,368 early-career
- Physical Sciences 5%
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for Case Western Reserve University's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- CPhysicist$142,850 · 5% growthAdaptable 66
- CAstronomer$142,850 · 4% growthAdaptable 66
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into Case Western Reserve University? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Case Western Reserve University, located in Cleveland, Ohio, reviews applications selectively. The acceptance rate runs near 37%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,513. The graduation rate is roughly 87%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Case Western Reserve University? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at Case Western Reserve University is $66,608, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $41,190. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $19,025 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $24,000 in federal student loans.
Is Case Western Reserve University Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of Case Western Reserve University earn a median of $87,989, well above the national average for bachelor's degree holders.
Does Case Western Reserve University Drive Upward Mobility? Economic Mobility & Low-Income Outcomes
Case Western Reserve University is a genuine engine of upward mobility. Its mobility rate, the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top, is 1.79%, well above the typical college. Access is narrower: only about 3.3% of students come from the bottom income quintile, typical of more selective, higher-income institutions. Among bottom-quintile students who attend, roughly 54.7% go on to reach the top of the income ladder. The median family income of students sits near $118,200, a snapshot of the campus's socioeconomic mix.
How Connected Is Case Western Reserve University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Case Western Reserve University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.65, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.00), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 9% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
How Research-Intensive Is Case Western Reserve University? World Rank, Teaching & Citations
Times Higher Education places Case Western Reserve University at #65 worldwide, a mark of serious research standing. Its profile spans a research score of 54/100, teaching at 67/100, and citation impact of 66/100, reflecting both the volume of research output and how often that work is cited by scholars elsewhere.
Does Case Western Reserve University offer Early Decision, and does it improve admission chances?
Yes. Case Western Reserve University offers a binding Early Decision plan, and it carries a real advantage: Early Decision applicants were admitted at 25%, about 0.7 times the overall 35% acceptance rate, and ED filled roughly 16% of the entering class. Because ED is binding, it makes sense only if Case Western Reserve University is a clear first choice and you can commit before comparing aid offers (2025-26 Common Data Set).
Is Case Western Reserve University really test-optional?
In practice, yes. Only about 67% of enrolled first-year students submitted an SAT or ACT score, so a strong application without test scores is genuinely competitive at Case Western Reserve University (2025-26 Common Data Set).
What percentage of admitted students enroll at Case Western Reserve University?
About 12% of admitted students choose to enroll at Case Western Reserve University — its yield rate (2025-26 Common Data Set). Yield reflects how often a school wins when applicants weigh competing offers.
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Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to Case Western Reserve University.
- Fairfield UniversityFairfield, CT · Close peer84% grad $88,794 earn 33% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- University of San DiegoSan Diego, CA · Close peer83% grad $86,522 earn 52% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- University of RochesterRochester, NY · Close peer85% grad $79,042 earn 40% acceptWhy: similar selectivity · similar grad rate · similar size
- Bucknell UniversityLewisburg, PA · Close peer86% grad $93,807 earn 29% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Lehigh UniversityBethlehem, PA · Close peer89% grad $105,584 earn 26% acceptWhy: similar grad rate · similar size
- Villanova UniversityVillanova, PA · Close peer92% grad $100,423 earn 27% acceptWhy: similar selectivity · similar grad rate · similar size
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is Case Western Reserve University? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital, the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility, runs high at Case Western Reserve University. Its economic connectedness score is 1.65, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.00), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 9% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note