Cleveland State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Even though Cleveland State is test-optional, your SAT or ACT score can matter most for merit aid. A 1200 SAT or 25 ACT with a 3.0 GPA can qualify you for freshman scholarships worth $1,000 to $10,000, while a 1380 SAT or 30 ACT puts the Honors Program scholarship in reach.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Cleveland State University facts and stats
Cleveland State University is an urban public university with an undergraduate enrollment of 9,418 students. Cleveland State has a freshman retention rate of 70%, reflecting the share of first-year students who return for their second year. Its 6-year graduation rate is 51%, showing the portion of students who complete their degree within six years.
Cleveland, OH
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Key Cleveland State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
July 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Cleveland State, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for superscore-friendly retakes. For score-based scholarships like the Freshmen Scholarships and Honors Program Scholarship, a December retake should still arrive before the February 15 financial aid priority deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
Cleveland State is a public Horizon League university with in-state tuition of $12,872 and out-of-state tuition of $18,394. With 87% of students receiving aid, costs can vary by aid package. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline.
At Cleveland State University, out-of-state tuition is $18,394, compared with $12,872 for in-state tuition, and room and board is $15,090. Aid is common, with 87% of students receiving assistance and an average aid package of $16,882. Merit awards average $6,006, which can help reduce the billed cost for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $25,124.
Student life at Cleveland State University
6% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Art Academy of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OHAcceptance rate: 32.2%
Ashland University
Ashland, OHAcceptance rate: 76.4%
SAT: 1050–1280
ACT: 20–25
ETI Technical College of Niles
Niles, OHAcceptance rate: 100%
Baldwin Wallace University
Berea, OHAcceptance rate: 75.7%
SAT: 1068–1263
ACT: 22–28
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