Cleveland State University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Cleveland State University's tuition varies by residency and program level. Domestic students benefit from Ohio's 5-year tuition freeze, which offers flat rates per credit, while international students pay higher non-resident fees. 

Costs include tuition bands of 12–18 credits (a fixed fee for 12–18 credits) and additional fees, such as UPass and lab charges. 

Below are estimated annual fees for key programs:

Note: Fees may vary depending on the specialization. Please refer to the official CSU website for the most up-to-date information.

Students also need to cover the costs of housing, food, books, and tuition. Here's a breakdown of the overall expenses at Cleveland State University.

Cleveland State University (CSU) offers affordable and accessible education to students worldwide, with three major intake periods: Fall, Spring, and Summer. 

The university maintains a high acceptance rate of approximately 91%, making it a welcoming option for both undergraduate and graduate applicants. With over 10,000 applications received annually, CSU enrolls more than 14,000 students across 110+ programs in a multicultural urban setting. 

Below is a detailed breakdown of the key qualifications and academic criteria required to be successful in your application to Cleveland State University.

Admission Requirements

Cleveland State University requires undergraduate applicants to have completed at least 12 years of education (higher secondary) with a minimum GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale, and recommended SAT/ACT scores of 880/16 or higher. 

Graduate applicants generally need a recognized bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75–3.0, official transcripts, and proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 78, IELTS 6.0, or equivalent). Most graduate programs may also require GRE or GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. 

Here are the detailed admission requirements to study at Cleveland State University:

Academic Qualification

Academic qualifications are pivotal in assessing an applicant's preparedness for university-level education. Cleveland State University emphasizes completing core coursework, such as 4 years of English and 3 years of math or science, for first-year students. 

Here are the detailed requirements:

Language Proficiency

International students at Cleveland State University must demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized tests. 

The minimum accepted scores are as follows: TOEFL iBT 78 (with no part scoring below 17), IELTS 6.0 (with no section scoring below 5.0), Duolingo 105, and PTE 50. Higher scores may strengthen your application for competitive programs. 

Here are the English language requirements:

Competitive Exams 

Cleveland State University requires program-specific standardized tests for graduate admissions, such as the GRE, GMAT, or MAT. 

Undergraduate applicants can submit optional ACT or SAT scores, which are recommended for consideration for scholarships. International students follow the same criteria but also need to meet English proficiency requirements, such as the TOEFL or IELTS. Some programs, like Law, require the LSAT, and Engineering may prioritize GRE scores for competitive evaluation.

Here are the test requirements for taking admission to Cleveland State University:

Note: GRE waivers may apply for specific programs or terms. Always verify with the department.

Visa Requirements 

International students at Cleveland State University must obtain an F-1 visa (or a J-1 visa for exchange programs) to study in the United States. 

In addition, you must have a valid Form I-20, proof of financial support for one academic year, and a visa interview. Over 1,400 international students enroll annually, with visa processing typically taking 2–4 weeks after the interview.

Here are the Visa requirements for admission to Cleveland State University:

However, before applying for a visa, it's essential to check the application deadlines and intake periods. Let's explore these crucial details to help you plan your next steps.