Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University (CSU) is a public research institution in the United States. Founded in 1964, the institute has 14,000 students, with its 8 colleges offering more than 175 academic programmes. Ranked consistently among the best colleges and universities in America as per the U.S. News & World Report, CSU offers experiential learning opportunities with employers for all its students in nearly every industry. This ensures the graduates are fully prepared for a successful career in their chosen professions. 

CSU is a diverse institution encouraging the collaboration and involvement of students from all backgrounds, treating everyone with dignity and respect. Approximately 6.2% of students at CSU are from outside the US. 

Mission: Empowering Students. Creating Knowledge. Engaging Communities. Shaping Our World.

Vision: CSU aims to be a nationally recognized and student-focused public research university, providing accessible, affordable, and engaging learning opportunities to all students.

Below are some of the highlights of Cleveland State University:

According to the U.S. News & World Report, Cleveland State University has the following rankings:

• CSU online programmes recognized as among the best in the United States in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings. 
• #1 university in Ohio in terms of social mobility.

Some additional rankings by the U.S. News & World Report in 2024 include:

• #320 in National Universities
• #172 in Top Public Schools
• #181 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs 
• #319 in Nursing
• #268 in Economics
• #158 in Top Performers on Social Mobility

CSU bagged the following rankings as per Forbes:

• #33 Best Employers for Diversity 2024
• #14 America's Best Midsize Employers 2024
• #41 America's Best Employers By State 2023
• CSU also featured in The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges 2023
• 401-500th among US College Rankings 2022 by Times Higher Education
• #1201-1400 in QS World University Rankings

Moreover, Cleveland State University (CSU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is the largest among regional accreditors in the United States.

The 85-acre metropolitan campus of CSU is in the heart of downtown Cleveland. It is a beautiful place to live and study. Being in Cleveland, you can explore international cuisines, go on exciting adventures to some nearby places, such as the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and enjoy cultural festivals all year round, such as the Kurentovanje, Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival, and more. The international student services at Cleveland State University ensure all international students have access to everything they need to arrive and settle in on campus safely. 

The 138,000-square-foot Student Center (SC) is a warm and inviting environment for social and intellectual engagement. It also consists of a bookstore, offices for student government and organisations, several dining options, computer lounges, and a game room. Students can also find ample opportunities to grow beyond classroom learning. With over 200 student organisations on campus recognized by the Center for Student Involvement, you can enrich your social, cultural, and educational experiences at CSU.

Cleveland State University offers more than 1,000 courses that support 200 major fields of study for undergraduate and graduate students, along with professional certificate and continuing education programs. Here are some of the top programmes students can apply for at CSU.

International students can choose their intended course at CSU, follow these application deadlines and admission processes, and keep the required documents ready as detailed here.

Admission Deadlines of Cleveland State University 

International applicants can note the following dates and deadlines when applying to CSU undergraduate programmes:

General application deadlines for graduate programmes at Cleveland State University:

• Spring Semester 2025- December 7, 2024
• Summer Semester 2024 - April 13, 2024 (IELP only)
• Fall Semester 2024 - July 12, 2024

Admission Requirements for International Students

Cleveland State University has a streamlined admissions process for international students. The institute offers undergraduate degree programmes with different admissions tracks designed to prepare international students for success. The CSU admissions team places applicants on the appropriate track depending on their needs.

The UStart preparatory program allows international students to build academic skills and experience life in a new country. It is ideal for you if you do not yet meet specific academic and/or English language test score requirements. 

The following are the entry requirements in terms of GPA for international undergraduate applicants at Cleveland State University:

You also need to have the following documents ready before application:

• Highschool/secondary school transcripts and any post-secondary transcripts
• Copy of your passport
• English-language proficiency test scores

Graduate applicants need to meet one or more of the requirements mentioned below to be considered for admission at Cleveland State University:

• Baccalaureate degree equivalent to a four-year United States degree.
• Transcripts of academic work and degree certificates.
• Order an evaluation of your foreign education credentials from one of the approved servicers by CSU, namely, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), SpanTran or World Education Services (WES).
• At least one English language proficiency test score.
• Official score report of the GRE, GMAT, or MAT (if required by your department)
• Minimum 2.75 GPA for the bachelor’s degree on a 4.0 scale, with a higher average in the major field. However, some graduate programmes may require a higher GPA, and students should check this while applying.
• You should score at the 50th percentile or above on average across the fields of a standardised admission exam.

Step-by-Step Admission Process at Cleveland State University 

All international undergraduate and graduate students can follow this process when applying to Cleveland State University.

Step 1: Complete the online application.

Step 2: Pay the application fee, if applicable. Graduate applicants need to pay a non-refundable application fee of $40.

Step 3: Submit all the required documents, such as transcripts, English proficiency test scores, etc. 

Step 4: Submit Official GRE or GMAT scores if required by your department. 

Step 5: Submit documentation of financial support for one academic year.

All international undergraduate and graduate applicants need to meet the following minimum score requirements under English proficiency:

Undergraduate Applicants

Graduate Applicants 

CSU requires graduate students to submit official score reports of the GRE, GMAT, or MAT if required by their chosen academic department and the respective programme. The following are the minimum English proficiency test score requirements:

• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based): 78 and at least 17 in each section
• TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based): 550
• IELTS: 6.0 and at least 5.0 in each section
• Duolingo English Test: 105
• PTE (Pearson's Test of English): 50
• iTEP: 3.8

Here is a breakdown of an estimated tuition plan and other expenses for international students at Cleveland State University.

Some additional expenses not included in the tuition fee are as follows:

• International Matriculation Fee: $100; to be paid only one time and is nonrefundable
• International Services Fee: $30 per semester
• UPASS: $55.00 per semester for unlimited travel by bus & rapid transit in Cleveland

Students should note that:

• These amounts are for one academic year
• Is not applicable to the Intensive English Language Program
• The fee may be subject to change without prior notice. 
• If you are married and plan to bring your dependents, you will need an additional $3,500 for your spouse, $2,000 for 1 child, or $5,058 if you have 2 or more children. 

International undergraduate and graduate students can apply to and avail of scholarships at CSU based on their chosen academic college and the specific requirements. The following are some of the scholarships offered:

If you do not meet the requirements, you can look beyond scholarships and other financial aid. With GyanDhan, you can get free personalised loan assistance to pursue your dream programme internationally. Our team of experts will help you get the highest possible loan amount at the most competitive interest rates. Also, you can look for more scholarships in the USA by visiting GyanDhan’s scholarship portal. 

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Cleveland State University offers a variety of opportunities for students for successful jobs in the industries. Co-ops facilitate the students in gaining relevant work experience through a relationship with the college and the employer, wherein they get a chance to explore different career opportunities. For instance, as per the CSU Employment Data for Academic Year 2019-2020:

• 80% of CSU’s business school graduates stay and work in greater Cleveland. 
• 63% of undergraduate students get employed in their chosen field of study by the time they graduate, with an average salary of nearly $47,203.
• 77% of graduate students get employed in their chosen field of study by the time they graduate, with an average salary of around $61,319.
• In more than 2,000 companies in the United States, a CSU graduate has reached the level of executive management.
• For many degrees at CSU, the average salary is $65,000. 

The Department of Residence Life and Housing at CSU assists you in finding the best housing option for you. Your housing choices will differ based on your financial situation, desired commute time, and the atmosphere and amenities you seek. 

There are several benefits of choosing on-campus housing at CSU, including:

• Centralised billing via your CSU account, which is used for tuition and fees. Student financial aid, loans, and scholarships can help pay for accommodation directly. 
• Students living in residential communities have better chances of involvement in other university activities, athletic events and clubs. 
• Safety & security resources through partnerships with campus departments such as CSU Police.

You can enjoy amenities such as:

• Double and Quad units
• Semi-private bathrooms
• Fully furnished units: twin extra-long bed, dresser, closet, desk and chair
• Great views of downtown from select units
• High-speed internet
• Kitchenettes (in select units)
• 24-hour community desk
• Game room with billiards
• Free on-site laundry facilities
• Computer lab and conference rooms
• Theatre room
• Fitness centre
• Study areas
• Mailroom

The following are the housing rates at Cleveland State University.

Fenn Tower rates for 2024-2025 cohort

Euclid Commons rates for 2024-2025 cohort

The Edge rates for 2024-2025 cohort (contract with winter break 8/22/24 through 5/11/25)

The Langston rates for 2024-2025 cohort (contract with winter break 8/22/24 through 5/11/25)

With a vast alumni network of 140K+ across the world, of which 80% live in the area, Cleveland State University has the following notable alumni:

Cleveland State University is an esteemed institution for higher education in Ohio, United States, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds to pursue top-notch academic education in a wide range of disciplines. With competitive tuition rates, scholarships and financial aid, and extensive support services, it is dedicated to making education affordable and accessible for students from around the world.

Studying abroad can pose its challenges, with expensive tuition fee and living costs. If you need financial assistance to build a career abroad by studying abroad, GyanDhan is here to help you in this journey. We support students by providing them with education counselling, education loans at best interest rates, and helping them make the entire process of international education simpler and smoother.