Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University is a public research university in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. The university was founded in 1964 and has grown into a major urban university with a diverse student body of over 17,000 students. The university offers multiple undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 10 colleges, including business, engineering, law, medicine, and the arts and sciences.

CSU is committed to providing an accessible and high-quality education that prepares students for success in their chosen careers. The university strongly emphasizes engaged learning, focusing on experiential learning opportunities such as internships, research projects, and community service.

Key Statistics:

  • Student Enrollment: Over 17,000 students
  • Academic Programs: Over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs
  • Faculty: Approximately 1,200 full-time faculty members

Established

1964

University Type

Public Research University

Faculty to Student Ratio

16:1

Campus Size

85 acres

Contact Details

(216) 687-5411 

Location

Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Cleveland State University Ranking

Cleveland State University consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. Here’s a summary of its recent rankings:

Ranking Agency

Rank

US News National Rankings

#342

Top Public School (US News)

#183

Bursing (US News)

#254

Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (US News)

#180

Cleveland State University Admissions

Cleveland State University is a highly selective institution, and admissions are competitive.

The university considers a holistic application, evaluating various factors beyond just grades. The following section will discuss the admission requirements and top programs at Cleveland State University.

Cleveland State University Admissions: PG

The minimum admission requirement for a master’s at Cleveland State University is a minimum GPA of 2.75 in a related subject with a TOEFL iBT score of 78 or above. Following are the detailed admission requirements for master’s at Cleveland State University:

Category

Admission Requirements

Application Fees

40 USD

Academic Requirements

4-year bachelor’s degree with 2.75 GPA

Test Scores

  • GMAT: 600 
  • GRE: 150-155 (Verbal) and 150-155 (Quant)

English Language Proficiency

  • TOEFL IBT: 78 
  • IELTS: 6.0

Documents Checklist

  • LOR
  • SOP
  • Transcripts 
  • Financial Statement

Cleveland State University Admissions: UG

The minimum admission requirement for undergraduate programs at Cleveland State University is a minimum GPA of 2.3 in a related subject with a TOEFL score of 68+. Following are the detailed admission requirements for bachelors at Cleveland State University:

Category

Admission Requirements

Application Fees

40 USD

Academic Requirements

Secondary School Certificate and Higher Secondary Certificate with 2.3 GPA

Test Scores

English Language Proficiency

  • TOEFL IBT: 68 
  • IELTS: 5.5

Documents Checklist

  • Passport Copy
  • High School Transcripts

Cleveland State University Campus

Cleveland State University’s main campus is located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, occupying approximately 70 acres. A mix of modern and historic buildings characterizes it.

Key Features:

  • Urban Location: Offers easy access to the city’s cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and professional opportunities.
  • Modern Facilities: Includes state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and research centers.
  • Green Spaces: Green spaces and courtyards are featured within the urban setting.

Campus Safety

Cleveland State University prioritizes campus safety with a dedicated police department, security measures, and safety resources.

  • CSU Police Department: 24/7 presence with officers patrolling the campus. Equipped to handle emergencies and provide assistance.
  • Safety Resources:
    • Viking Safety Escorts: Free walking escorts for students on campus.
    • Emergency Blue Light Phones: Located throughout campus for quick emergency assistance.
    • CSU Alert: Emergency notification system for urgent campus-wide alerts.
  • Safety Initiatives: Programs focused on crime prevention, self-defense, and bystander intervention.

Cleveland State University Student Life

Cleveland State University offers a vibrant and engaging student life experience. Here’s a glimpse:

  • Student Organizations: A wide variety of student organizations cater to diverse interests, including academic, cultural, recreational, and social clubs.
  • Campus Activities: The university hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, lectures, and social gatherings. The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is key in organizing and promoting these events.
  • Athletics: CSU is home to a Division I athletics program with various sports teams. Students can attend games, participate in intramural sports, and cheer on the Vikings. 
  • Student Union: A central hub for student activities featuring a food court, game room, meeting spaces, and more.
  • Student Center: Provides resources and support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and health services.
  • Campus Location: Located in downtown Cleveland, offering easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and professional opportunities.

Accommodation at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University offers a variety of on-campus housing options for international students, including residence halls, apartments, and suites.

On-Campus Housing:

  • Residence Halls: Provide a traditional dormitory experience with shared rooms and bathrooms.
  • Apartments: Offer more privacy and independence with individual bedrooms and shared common areas like kitchens and living rooms.
  • Suites: Combine the social aspects of residence halls with some of the privacy of apartments.

Off-Campus Housing:

  • Apartments and Rentals: Many off-campus housing options are available near the university, including apartments, houses, and townhouses.
  • Considerations: Off-campus living requires more responsibility for finding and securing housing, managing utilities, and maintaining the living space.

Cleveland State University Scholarships

Cleveland State University offers a limited number of scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are typically merit-based and awarded to students with strong academic records.

Here’s a table with some potential scholarship examples:

Scholarship Name

Eligibility

Award Value

Global Excellence Scholarship

High-achieving international undergraduate students

Varies (up to $12,000 per year)

Freshman Honors Program Scholarship

High-achieving students accepted into the Honors Program

Up to $3,000 per year

STEM Bridge Scholarship

International graduates in eligible STEM fields

Up to $2,500 for the first semester

Cleveland State University Alumni

The Cleveland State University Alumni Association connects graduates with the university and each other. It offers a variety of benefits and services to its members, including:

  • Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow alumni at events and through online platforms.
  • Career services: Access to job boards, career fairs, and alumni mentoring programs.
  • Continuing education: Opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge through workshops and seminars.
  • Giving back: Opportunities to support the university through donations and volunteer work.

Here are a few notable alumni of Cleveland State University:

Name

Profession

Marcia Fudge

U.S. Representative

Frank G. Jackson

Former Mayor of Cleveland

Maureen O’Connor

Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court

Tim Russert

Former NBC News Correspondent

Scott Raab

Writer for Esquire Magazine

Location of Cleveland State University

Frequently Asked Questions Section

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum English proficiency requirements at CSU?

International students seeking admission at CSU are required to show English proficiency through standardized tests like:

  • TOEFL (minimum score of 71 on the internet-based test)
  • IELTS (minimum score of 6.0)
  • PTE Academic (minimum score of 53). 

What is the application deadline for international UG students at CSU?

International students have to fill out and submit their application before the following Cleveland State University admission deadline:

International Undergraduate Admissions Application Deadline:

Admission Type

Application Deadline

Freshmen application deadline

August 15

Transfer application deadline

August 15

International Graduate Admissions Application Deadline: 

Admission Type

Application Deadline

Spring

December 07

Summer

April 13

Fall

July 12

Are there scholarships available for UG students at CSU?

Yes, CSU offers a limited number of scholarships for international undergraduate students. These scholarships are merit-based and awarded to students with strong academic records.

What is the average class size for undergraduate courses at CSU?

The average class size for undergraduate courses at CSU is different depending on the course and program. However, most classes have fewer than 30 students, which allows for a more interactive learning experience.

What are the opportunities for research and internships at CSU?

CSU offers a variety of opportunities for research and internships for undergraduate students. Students can work with faculty members on research projects, participate in internships at local businesses, and gain valuable experience in their field of study.

Does CSU have a student union or other social spaces for students?

Yes, CSU has a student union that serves as a central hub for student activities and social events. The student union includes a variety of amenities, such as a food court, game room, and meeting spaces.

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