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Colleges / OH / Cleveland
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Cleveland State University

Public Cleveland, OH · Urban · Great Lakes · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
50%
Graduation Rate
$52,131
Earnings (10yr)
$14,764
Net Price
91%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Cleveland State University is a solid choice for students looking for a welcoming environment to pursue their education. With an acceptance rate of 91%, it caters to a diverse group of learners, making it accessible for many. Students often find themselves engaging in popular programs like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Psychology, Engineering, and Social Sciences, which are designed to prepare them for a variety of career paths.

After graduation, students can expect to earn around $52,131 within a decade. This figure highlights a promising return on investment, especially when considering the affordability of the school. Many students here benefit from financial aid, which helps ease the burden of tuition and living expenses. While not every student graduates within the traditional timeframe, those who do often find themselves moving into stable careers that offer growth potential.

Looking at the numbers, the average net price after aid is approximately $14,764, which is manageable for many. The median debt load of $21,797 suggests that most graduates leave with a reasonable financial commitment. This school tends to thrive for those who are motivated and seek a balance between cost and educational quality, making it a fitting option for students who want to invest in their future without overwhelming debt.

Rankings

How Cleveland Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation50%Earnings 10yr$52KNet Price$15KRetention70%Median Debt$22KPell Grant Rate41%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$12K$0-30K$14K$30-48K$15K$48-75K$20K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1086.6%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1479.1%MOBILITY160.73%

Cost & Financial Aid

$12,988
In-State Tuition
$18,510
Out-of-State
$14,764
Avg Net Price
$21,797
Median Debt
41%
Pell Grant Rate
74%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$11,958
Family Income $0–$30K
$13,561
Family Income $30K–$48K
$14,727
Family Income $48K–$75K
$20,378
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$44,625
6 Years After Entry
$49,061
8 Years
$52,131
10 Years
0.42x
Debt-to-Earnings
66%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$44,625 6yr $49,061 8yr $52,131 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

160.73%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1479.1%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1086.6%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$72,700
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.16
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.08
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.4%
Volunteering Rate
0.95
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.288%
Inventor Rate
23
Total Patents
31
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 91%
Retention Rate 70%
ACT Midpoint 23
Full-Time Faculty 84%
Faculty Salary (mo) $9,480
Diversity Index 0.64
First-Gen Students 38%

Top Programs

Health Professions 21%
Business & Marketing 20%
Psychology 9%
Engineering 9%
Social Sciences 7%
Visual & Performing Arts 6%
Communications 5%
Computer Science & IT 4%