Cleveland State University

Quick Facts about Cleveland State University

• Founded: 1964
• Type: Public
• Students: 14,000
• International: 10%
• Campus: Urban
• Tuition: $12,034 – $21,107/year
• Language: English
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Intakes: January, May, August

About Cleveland State University

Academics

CSU offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, with notable strengths in STEM, business, and health sciences. The university is recognized for its practical learning approach, research opportunities, and strong faculty. Specific programs like the undergraduate engineering program, the AACSB-accredited Monte Ahuja College of Business, and the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law are highly regarded.

International Students

Cleveland State University is a popular choice for international students, with approximately 1,028 international students making up about 6.7% of the total student body. The Center for International Services & Programs (CISP) provides comprehensive support, including immigration advising, academic support, social events, and cultural adjustment assistance. English language proficiency can be demonstrated through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo, or by completing CSU's Intensive English Language Program (IELP).

Campus & Location

CSU's 85-acre metropolitan campus is situated in downtown Cleveland, offering easy access to the city's vibrant life. The campus features modern facilities, including a Student Center, Recreation Center, and renovated academic buildings, alongside historic architecture. Cleveland boasts professional sports teams, cultural institutions like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and extensive park systems, providing numerous recreational and cultural opportunities. Public transportation, including the U-Pass program for students, makes navigating the city convenient.

Career Outcomes

Cleveland State University focuses on career readiness, with 90% of students reportedly employed within two years of graduation. The Career Development & Exploration center provides extensive resources such as resume reviews, mock interviews, career fairs, and an online job board called "Hire A Vike" which connects students with top employers. CSU has strong industry connections with companies like Cleveland Clinic, NASA, Amazon, Deloitte, and Sherwin-Williams, offering valuable internship and employment opportunities.

Information for International Students at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University in Cleveland, United States welcomes international students, with 10% of the student body coming from abroad.

• 10% of students are international
• Visa support available
• On-campus work allowed
• Student housing available
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for Cleveland State University

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Cleveland State University:

• IELTS minimum: 6
• TOEFL minimum: 78
• Duolingo minimum: 105
• GPA minimum: 2.3
• Application fee: $40
• Selectivity: Open (60%+)
• Application deadline: Undergraduate: Fall 2026: July 1, 2026; Spring 2026: December 2, 2025; Summer 2026: April 13, 2026. Graduate MBA: Fall 2026: June 1, 2026; Spring 2026: November 1, 2025; Summer 2026: April 15, 2026.

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Programs at Cleveland State University (7 programs)

Cleveland State University offers 7 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (3)

• Chemical Engineering (BSChE) — 48 months · English · $14,500/yr · STEM
  Students learn to design and operate processes that transform raw materials into useful products, focusing on principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering for various industries.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Materials Engineer, Research and Development Scientist
• Criminology (BA) — 48 months · English · $12,000/yr
  This program examines the causes, consequences, and control of crime, exploring criminal justice systems, sociological theories of deviance, and policy implications.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Police Officer, Probation Officer, Corrections Officer, Crime Analyst
• Mechanical Engineering (BSME) — 48 months · English · $14,500/yr · STEM
  Students gain expertise in the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems, covering topics like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and robotics.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Mechanical Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Automotive Engineer, Aerospace Engineer

Master Programs (2)

• Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MS) — 24 months · English · $16,000/yr · STEM
  This program offers advanced coursework and research in areas such as power systems, control systems, electronics, and telecommunications, preparing students for specialized engineering roles.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Electrical Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Electronics Design Engineer, Research and Development Engineer
• Public Health (MPH) — 24 months · English · $15,000/yr · STEM
  The Master of Public Health program prepares professionals to address public health challenges through epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy.
  Field: Health Sciences
  Career outcomes: Public Health Analyst, Epidemiologist, Health Educator, Program Manager

PhD Programs (2)

• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD) — 48 months · English · $14,000/yr
  This program is designed for educational professionals seeking to become leaders in schools, districts, and higher education institutions, focusing on policy, administration, and curriculum development.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: School Superintendent, University Administrator, Curriculum Director, Educational Consultant
• Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD) — 60 months · English · $15,000/yr · STEM
  This interdisciplinary doctoral program allows students to conduct advanced research in various engineering fields, including civil, electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering, leading to significant contributions to their chosen area.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Research Scientist, Senior Engineer, Innovator

Scholarships & Tuition at Cleveland State University

Annual tuition for international students: $12,034 – $21,107/year

✅ Cleveland State University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Cleveland State University

• National Ranking: #342 in United States
• QS World University Ranking: #1401
• Times Higher Education (THE): #401
• Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #151
• Ranking tier: Research University
• Research output: High

Campus & Facilities at Cleveland State University

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• No disability support info
• Campus type: Urban
• Average class size: 27

Key Highlights

• Downtown Cleveland location
• R2 Research University
• 200+ academic programs
• Strong international student support
• Practical learning approach
• Vibrant urban campus

Accreditation

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
• American Chemical Society
• Commission on Accreditation in Clinical Chemistry
• Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA)
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
• American Bar Association
• National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Planning Accreditation Board (PAB)

Notable Alumni

• Frank Lausche
• Marcia Fudge
• Frank G. Jackson
• Dennis Eckart
• Joe Tait

Frequently Asked Questions about Cleveland State University

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