Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University (CSU) is a dynamic public research university located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Established in 1964, CSU has evolved from its origins as a YMCA educational programme into a comprehensive institution offering over 200 academic programmes across eight colleges. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging students to engage with local and global issues. The campus is a hub of academic activity and a vibrant community enriched by cultural events and student organisations that reflect the city's rich heritage. CSU's mission is to promote human knowledge and creativity through scholarship and research, making it a compelling choice for students seeking a well-rounded education in an urban setting.

Things To Consider Before Applying

Applying to your desired university requires a fair amount of work before starting. Preparing crucial documents and degree percentages can decide your course of action. 

Entry Requirements

Cleveland State University entry requirements differ for every programme. Applicants are required to have a cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.3 and must have completed 13 core academic units, which include:

• Four years of English
• Three years of Mathematics
• Three years of Natural Sciences
• Three years of Social Sciences

Adherence to the Ohio Core Curriculum, which includes additional requirements such as four years of math, including Algebra II, is necessary for students graduating from Ohio public or charter high schools.

Specific programmes may have more stringent requirements. For example, Washkewicz College of Engineering applicants must have a GPA above 2.80 and demonstrate maths proficiency through standardised test scores or placement tests.

International students must also provide proof of English proficiency, with acceptable scores being a TOEFL iBT score of 78 or an IELTS score of 6.0.

CSU eligibility criteria also involve submitting an online application, official transcripts, and any required supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation or standardised test scores, depending on the programme.

Overall, CSU emphasises a holistic review process, considering various factors beyond just academic performance to ensure a diverse and capable student body.

Documents

Gathering all necessary Cleveland State University documents in advance can help streamline your application. This includes academic transcripts, certificates, and any applicable language proficiency test scores. Ensuring all required documents are ready before the application process can prevent delays and complications. Below is a list of general documents required from every student:
 

Undergraduate Application Documents

1. Application Form: Complete the online application for admission.
2. High School Transcripts: Submit an official high school transcript or GED scores. Transcripts must be sent directly from the school in a sealed envelope.
3. Standardised Test Scores: SAT or ACT scores are optional, but can be submitted if available.
4. Letters of Recommendation: Not required for undergraduate admissions, but can enhance the application.
5. Personal Statement: A personal essay may be required for certain programmes.
6. Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $40 is required, though this fee may be waived under certain circumstances.

Graduate Application Documents

1. Application Form: Complete the application for graduate admissions online.
2. Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to CSU.
3. Standardised Test Scores: Some programmes may require GRE or GMAT scores. Check specific programme requirements for details.
4. Letters of Recommendation: Typically, two or three letters are required, depending on the programme.
5. Personal Statement: A personal statement or goal statement is often required, detailing the applicant's background and motivations.
6. Curriculum Vitae or Resume: Required for some graduate programmes to outline relevant work and educational experiences.
7. Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $40 is required, with some programmes having a fee of $55.
8. Financial Verification: For international students, documentation of financial support is needed for visa purposes. 

How To Apply To Cleveland State University?

Cleveland State University has a well-sought application process with distinct procedures for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students must apply well in advance to make things easy and understandable. Below is the detailed information needed for enrolling in Bachelors and Masters programmes at CSU:

Undergraduate Admission

1. Complete the Application: Apply online through the CSU website or the Common Application. Students can also apply with the help of UniScholars website. 
2. Submit Official Transcripts: Request official high school transcripts or GED scores be sent directly to CSU. Transcripts from any colleges attended are also required.
3. Standardised Test Scores (Optional): SAT or ACT scores can be submitted but are optional for admission.
4. Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $40 is required, though this may be waived for certain applicants like veterans.

Graduate Admission

1. Complete the Graduate Application: Apply online through the CSU website. Students can take help of UniScholars experts. 
2. Pay Application Fee: A $40 non-refundable fee is required, with some programmes like Nursing charging $55.
3. Submit Official Transcripts: Request transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended be sent directly to CSU.
4. Entrance Exam Scores (if required): GRE or GMAT scores may be needed for some programmes. CSU's codes are GRE 1221, GMAT 832-vp-99.
5. Letters of Recommendation: Two or three letters are typically required, depending on the programme.
6. English Proficiency: International students must submit TOEFL (min 78 iBT) or IELTS (min 6.0) scores.
7. Financial Verification: International students must provide proof of sufficient funds for one year of study.

For both undergraduate and graduate applicants, all materials should be submitted well before the deadlines. Unischolars, a one-stop solution for study abroad, helps and guides students in understanding their preferred programmes through free counselling as well as helps them in landing their dream course through application assistance, and more. 

Our experts are available throughout the day. You can reach out to us at UniScholars!

Deadlines

Cleveland State University eligibility criteria might vary depending on nationality, residency status, and specific programme requirements. Verify these criteria to determine eligibility and avoid issues during the application process.

Undergraduate Deadlines

• Fall Semester: July 1
• Spring Semester: December 1
• Summer Semester: April 1

Graduate Deadlines

• Fall Semester: July 21
• Spring Semester: December 10
• Summer Semester: April 14

Some graduate programmes have earlier deadlines, so it's important to check the specific requirements for your programme of interest. In general, it's recommended to apply as early as possible.

International Student Deadlines

The deadlines for international students are the same as the graduate deadlines:

• Fall Semester: July 21
• Spring Semester: December 10
• Summer Semester: April 14

International students have additional requirements like submitting proof of English proficiency and financial documentation. These materials should be submitted along with the application by the deadline.

Late applications are not accepted at Cleveland State University. To ensure your application is reviewed, be sure to submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline for your applicant type and desired term of entry. 

Decision Dates

The decision dates for admissions vary depending on the type of application submitted. Applicants can expect to receive decisions within a few weeks of applying for undergraduate programmes. Cleveland State University communicates the outcome via email and updates the CSU applicant portal accordingly.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Decision Date: 

Cleveland State University typically takes 5 to 10 business days to announce an admissions decision after all required materials have been received.

Important Notes

• CSU does not have fixed application deadlines for both undergraduate and graduate courses, but it is crucial to submit all materials before the final deadlines for each semester to ensure timely processing.

Cleveland State University Selection Criteria

Cleveland State University employs a holistic approach in its selection criteria for admissions, focusing on various aspects of each application to determine suitability for the chosen course. Here are the critical components of the selection criteria:

Undergraduate Selection Criteria

• GPA Requirement: A minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. However, international students are encouraged to aim for a GPA between 3.0 to 3.25 (85-87%) to enhance their chances of acceptance.
• Standardised Test Scores:
  • Applicants must submit either SAT or ACT scores if they have less than 30 semester hours of college credit.
  • The minimum ACT score is 16 (composite) or SAT score of 880 (combined).
• Coursework: Applicants must have completed specific high school coursework, including English, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences.
• Letters of Recommendation: Not required for undergraduate admissions, but can be beneficial.

Graduate Selection Criteria

• GPA Requirement: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 is typically required for graduate programmes, with some programmes requiring a higher GPA (e.g., 3.0 to 3.25).
• Standardised Test Scores:
  • GRE or GMAT scores may be required for certain graduate programmes. The minimum GRE score is typically at the 60th percentile for both sections, while some programmes may have specific GMAT requirements.
• English Language Proficiency: International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through standardised tests, with minimum scores typically being:
  • TOEFL iBT: 78
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • Duolingo: 100
• Letters of Recommendation: Most graduate programmes require 2 to 3 letters of recommendation.
• Personal Statement: A statement of purpose or goal statement is often required, outlining the applicant's academic and professional objectives.
• Resume: A resume may be required for some graduate programmes to detail relevant experiences.

Cleveland State University Acceptance Rate

Cleveland State University acceptance rate is around 85%, making it a moderately selective institution. Here are the key details about CSU's acceptance rate:

• Current Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Acceptance Rate for Fall (Past years): 89%
• Acceptance Rate for Undergraduate Students: 94%

So while the overall acceptance rate is around 85%, the undergraduate acceptance rate is slightly higher at 94%. This indicates that CSU has a lightly selective admission policy overall.

Fees

Cleveland State University fees for in-state students has been $12,550 and $17,875 for out-of-state students. The estimated total cost of attendance is around $28,747 for in-state students and $33,905 for out-of-state students, which includes tuition, fees, room and board (approximately $12,859), books and supplies (about $800), transportation, and personal expenses. 

For international students, the tuition is higher, with bachelor's degree tuition at $21,375, master's degree tuition at $23,590, and doctorate tuition at $17,262. Additional fees for international students include a $30 international services fee per semester and a one-time $100 international matriculation fee. Overall, prospective students should budget accordingly to cover these expenses.