Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University Financial Aid

Students who are applying for financial aid at Cleveland State University need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.

The FAFSA code for Cleveland State University is 003032.

If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.

Using State Grants at Cleveland State

If you're an Ohio resident considering Cleveland State, be sure to look into state grants like the Ohio College Opportunity Grant and Choose Ohio First. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant is a need-based grant for students with high demonstrated financial need. You can use it at both private and public schools, and the award varies based on need and academic program. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant is available to Ohio students pursuing a STEM degree in-state.

Midwest Student Tuition Exchange

Cleveland State is in a state that participates in the Midwest Student Exchange. That means that if you are a resident of Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, or Wisconsin, you may qualify for discounted tuition at Cleveland State. This program applies to both private and public institutions, although the discount at private institutions is lower. Check their website for more information on eligibility and what your discount would be.

Pell Grants at Cleveland State University

44% of students at Cleveland State University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Cleveland State University.

You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.

Outside Scholarships

Cleveland State students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:

• Top scholarships for high school seniors
• Top scholarships for college students
• Scholarship database

Cleveland State University Financial Aid Resources

If you are looking for more information about financial aid and scholarships at Cleveland State or have questions that are specific to your personal situation, we recommend that you reach out directly to the financial aid office!

Here’s how you can get in touch:

• Website: https://www.csuohio.edu/financial-aid/financial-aid
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 216-687-5411

1018 is the median SAT score and 23 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Cleveland State. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.

Is Cleveland State test-optional?

Cleveland State University is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.

What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Cleveland State University?

Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Cleveland State University receive between a 18 and a 25 on their ACT, or a 870 and a 1115 on their SAT.

What is the application deadline at Cleveland State?

Students must apply by July 28 to enroll at Cleveland State during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.

What is the graduation rate at Cleveland State University?

49% of students who start at Cleveland State University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 9% less than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.

How much do graduates of Cleveland State University go on to earn?

10 years after starting school at Cleveland State University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $52,131. This is $1,740 more than the national median.

Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.

How much do students at Cleveland State take out in loans?

Graduates of Cleveland State have to take out a median of $21,797 in federal student loans. This is $8,297 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.