What is the Cost of Attendance at Cleveland State University for in-state vs. out-of-state students?

For 2025–2026, CSU estimates $33,776 for in-state and $39,487 for out-of-state before aid, assuming 12–18 credits per term, with standard allowances for housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal costs.

What is the average net price families actually pay?

Based on the most recent federal data (2022–23), average annual net price is about $16,065—what families paid after grants and scholarships, excluding loans.

Does Cleveland State superscore ACT or SAT?

No. CSU considers the highest single test sitting if scores are submitted. The university is test-optional.

Are automatic merit scholarships considered with the admission application?

Yes. All first-time freshmen are automatically considered for merit. Applying by the March 1 priority date maximizes eligibility.

What are the non-resident merit scholarship tiers?

$10,000 (3.9+ GPA or ACT ≥28 / SAT ≥1310), $9,000 (3.75–3.89 or ACT ≥27 / SAT ≥1280), $8,500 (3.5–3.74 or ACT ≥26 / SAT ≥1240 or test-optional), and $3,500 (3.2–3.49 or ACT ≥25 / SAT ≥1200).

What is the Voyager Scholarship and who qualifies?

Voyager lets eligible non-resident freshmen from Michigan, New York, or Pennsylvania pay the in-state tuition rate—roughly $5,700 per year in savings. Consideration is automatic with admission review; priority date March 1.

Does CSU offer competitive scholarships outside of Honors?

For 2025–26, CSU does not list university-wide competitive merit outside the Mandel Honors College. Selective awards are primarily within Honors.

Which ‘hidden gem’ scholarships can stack with merit?

Programs like Choose Ohio First (STEM), departmental awards, study abroad funding, ROTC, TRIO-linked grant aid, and identity-based external funds (UNCF, HSF, Point Foundation) often combine with CSU merit. Always verify stacking rules per award letter.

How selective is the Mandel Honors College and what are the deadlines?

Honors admission is competitive and holistic, requiring an application with an essay and two recommendations. Typical deadlines are November 15, January 15, and March 15 for fall entry.

Does Honors add time to degree?

No, when planned with advising. Honors courses often satisfy general education or major requirements.

Cleveland State University Scholarships (2025–2026)

← Back to the College Scholarships Hub

What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

If you’re an Ohio parent—or coming from nearby states like Michigan, New York, or Pennsylvania—Cleveland State University can be a surprisingly affordable choice once scholarships and tuition-matching programs are factored in. This guide breaks down real costs, automatic merit awards, and hidden scholarship options in plain English, so you’ll know exactly what to expect beyond the sticker price. For state-specific aid, don’t miss our Ohio Financial Aid Guide alongside this page.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Cleveland State University

Expense	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits)	$13,262	$18,973
Housing & Meals (allowance)	$15,614	$15,614
Books & Supplies	$1,000	$1,000
Transportation	$1,700	$1,700
Personal/Misc.	$2,200	$2,200
Total (Before Aid)	$33,776	$39,487

Average Net Price: Families actually paid about $16,065 per year after grants and scholarships (no loans included), based on the most recent federal data (2022–23).

Voyager Scholarship (Out-of-State Tuition Match)

Students from Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania can attend CSU at the in-state tuition rate. That’s a savings of roughly $5,700 per year compared to standard out-of-state tuition. Automatic with admission review; no separate application. Priority date: March 1.

FAQ

Who qualifies for Voyager?
First-time freshmen who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with legal residency in Michigan, New York, or Pennsylvania.

How much can families save?
About $5,700 each year in tuition—over $22,000 across four years.

Do I need a separate application?
No. Eligible students are reviewed automatically when applying for admission. Just make sure to apply before CSU’s March 1 priority deadline.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Cleveland State automatically considers every first-time freshman for merit aid when they apply for admission. No separate application is required, but applying by the March 1 priority deadline gives your student the best shot at the highest awards.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Ohio Resident Merit (AcademicEdge Guarantee)	Up to $8,000/yr (≈$32,000 over 4 yrs)	Ohio residents with 3.0+ GPA guaranteed some award; higher GPAs/tests yield larger amounts	No	Yes (full-time, GPA req. set in award letter)	Most awards go to students with 3.2–3.9 GPA; higher awards typically for 3.7+. Test-optional allowed.
Non-Resident Merit (Domestic)	• $10,000 (3.9+ GPA or ACT ≥28 / SAT ≥1310) • $9,000 (3.75–3.89 GPA or ACT ≥27 / SAT ≥1280) • $8,500 (3.5–3.74 GPA or ACT ≥26 / SAT ≥1240, or test-optional) • $3,500 (3.2–3.49 GPA or ACT ≥25 / SAT ≥1200)	Non-resident domestic students, GPA/test score tiers as listed	No	Yes (full-time, GPA req. in award letter)	Published GPA/test tiers apply. Test-optional path available at 3.5+ GPA.
Voyager Scholarship (Tuition Match)	Out-of-state students from MI, NY, PA pay in-state tuition (≈$5,700/yr savings)	Residency in MI, NY, or PA; full-time freshman admission	No	Yes	Applies automatically for eligible students; can stack with other CSU merit awards.

*Estimated GPA bands for Ohio resident tiers are inferred from CSU’s guarantee language and non-resident grid. Actual award levels are confirmed in official award letters and may shift year to year.

FAQ

Do I need to submit test scores?
No. CSU is test-optional, and students can qualify for many awards with GPA alone. Higher test scores can boost awards if submitted although they DON’T superscore.

Are awards renewable?
Yes, most merit awards renew for up to four years with full-time enrollment and maintaining the GPA listed in your award letter.

Can Voyager be stacked with merit aid?
Yes. Eligible non-resident students from MI, NY, or PA pay in-state tuition and may also receive additional automatic merit scholarships.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

Cleveland State does not currently list university-wide competitive scholarships outside of its Honors College. Since Honors-specific awards are covered later in this guide, we’ll use this space to confirm that no separate university-level competitive programs are available for first-year freshmen in 2025–26.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
—	N/A	No university-wide competitive scholarships beyond Honors College for 2025–26	—	—	Students seeking selective scholarships should apply to the Mandel Honors College (see Honors section).

FAQ

Does CSU offer competitive scholarships beyond automatic merit?
No. The main selective awards for first-year students are tied to the Mandel Honors College.

Where should I look for additional scholarships?
Explore CSU’s departmental awards, need-based programs, and external donor scholarships (highlighted in the Hidden Gems section).

Should I still apply by the priority deadline?
Yes. Even without Honors, applying by March 1 maximizes your chances for automatic merit and other aid opportunities.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Not every award at Cleveland State is tied to grades or test scores. These “hidden gems” include state-funded STEM scholarships, departmental awards, study abroad funding, ROTC opportunities, and identity-based scholarships that can significantly cut costs for the right students.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Choose Ohio First (STEM)	$2,000–$5,000/yr	Ohio residents in designated STEM majors; need-sensitive	Yes	Yes (up to 4 years)	STEM-focused students with solid academics who commit to the cohort; stackable with Honors or Athletics.
Education AWAY/Abroad Scholarship	$500–$1,200 (one-time)	Students participating in approved study abroad or National Student Exchange	Yes	No	Students with a clear plan to study abroad or exchange; especially those with financial need.
Academic Department Scholarships	$500–$9,448	Declared majors; criteria differ by department	Yes	Some are renewable, others one-time	Students active in their department (projects, GPA, service). Examples include Business, Urban Affairs, Arts & Sciences, and Music.
Army ROTC Scholarships	Partial to full tuition + stipend	Students meeting Army ROTC academic, fitness, and service requirements	Yes (ROTC board)	Yes (2–4 years depending on award)	Leadership-driven, physically fit students planning to commission after graduation.
TRIO-Student Support Services	Grant aid of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars	First-generation, low-income, or students with disabilities	Yes (program application)	Yes (while enrolled in TRIO)	First-gen or low-income students who engage in TRIO support programs; often receive additional grant aid.
Plain Dealer Charities Scholarship	$1,000–$5,000 (amounts set by donor each year)	Criteria set by Plain Dealer Charities	Yes	Some renewable, some one-time	Students with financial need or specific donor criteria.
Point Foundation Scholarship	$1,000–$10,000 nationally	LGBTQ students pursuing higher education	Yes (external app)	Yes	LGBTQ students with strong academics, leadership, and community service.
UNCF & Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)	$1,000–$10,000	African American or Hispanic/Latino students; criteria vary by program	Yes (external app)	Yes	Minority students who meet donor criteria and apply through UNCF or HSF portals.
Music Talent Scholarships	$500–$3,000 (based on audition)	Students participating in ensembles, including marching band	Yes (audition)	Renewable with continued ensemble participation	Musically talented students accepted into CSU ensembles through audition.
George R. Johnson Entrepreneurship Scholarship	$1,000–$2,500	Entrepreneurship majors; active in CSU’s Student Entrepreneurship Club	Yes	Some renewable with continued involvement	Entrepreneurship students who show initiative and club involvement.

*Award ranges are based on typical CSU donor and program scholarships; final amounts are set annually and may shift with funding.

FAQ

Are hidden gem scholarships automatic?
No. Most require a separate application through a department, donor, or external foundation.

Can they be combined with merit aid?
Yes. Departmental, identity-based, and external awards often stack with CSU merit scholarships.

Do these awards repeat each year?
Some are renewable (like Choose Ohio First or UNCF/HSF), while others are one-time (like study abroad or marching band). Always check renewal terms with the awarding office.

Where should my student start?
Meet with CSU’s Financial Aid office, your academic department, or the TRIO program if first-gen. Don’t overlook external portals like UNCF, HSF, or the Point Foundation for identity-based awards.

⭐ College Specialty

Cleveland State University has carved out a reputation as an urban-serving research university with strong ties to the city of Cleveland. While it isn’t classified as an R1 institution, it is recognized as an R2: Doctoral University with High Research Activity, meaning students can still access meaningful research opportunities alongside faculty and community partners. Families will also find CSU especially well-known in public affairs, business, health sciences, and the arts.

Standout Program: The Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs is ranked #1 in Ohio and #3 nationally for Urban Policy (U.S. News & World Report, 2024). It’s a flagship program for students interested in public service, city planning, and nonprofit leadership.

Business & Entrepreneurship: The Monte Ahuja College of Business is consistently recognized in Ohio for entrepreneurship programs and regional industry partnerships.
Health Professions: Strong nursing and health sciences programs with connections to the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals provide hands-on training pipelines.
Engineering: The Washkewicz College of Engineering has ABET-accredited programs and is noted statewide for mechanical and civil engineering graduates feeding Ohio’s workforce.
Music & Arts: The School of Music and College of Arts & Sciences offer highly regarded performance programs, including marching band and ensemble scholarships.

🎖️ Honors College

The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Honors College is where Cleveland State sets aside its most selective opportunities. Admission is competitive and requires a separate application with essays and recommendations. It’s designed for high-achieving students who want a smaller academic community within a larger urban university.

What a Typical CSU Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA around 3.8+*, strong rigor (AP/IB/College Credit Plus), evidence of leadership or service, and polished essays or recommendations. Test scores, if submitted, are often ACT 28–30+ / SAT 1310–1380+*.

Why Honors Can Be Worth It:

Priority registration and dedicated advising
Small seminars with CSU’s top faculty
Research opportunities with Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute
Exclusive spaces and community events
Pathways to automatic admission to select CSU graduate programs

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Michael and Joanne Schwartz Honors Endowment Scholarship	Typically $1,000–$3,000/yr (range based on recent donor-funded awards; final amounts set annually)	Students admitted to the Mandel Honors College	No (considered within Honors)	Yes — must remain in Honors and maintain ~3.5 GPA	Engaged Honors students with strong academics and leadership; recipients chosen by Honors faculty committee.

Admission model: Students self-apply to Honors after applying to CSU (check the Honors interest box). Deadlines are November 15, January 15, and March 15 for fall freshmen.
Renewal: Honors scholarships and standing typically require maintaining a 3.5 GPA and full-time enrollment.
Does it add time to degree? No—Honors courses integrate into general education and major pathways when planned with an advisor.

FAQ

Is Honors admission automatic if I meet GPA cutoffs?
No. Admission is holistic and competitive. Essays, recommendations, and leadership matter.

Do Honors scholarships stack with CSU merit awards?
Sometimes. Certain Honors awards replace part of an automatic scholarship, while others stack—always check the award letter.

Does Honors add time or extra cost?
Not if you plan carefully. Honors courses often substitute for general requirements, and the perks offset costs.

What are the application steps?
Apply to CSU, indicate Honors interest, then submit the separate Honors application with an essay and two recommendations by the posted deadlines.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

For families considering Cleveland State University, the good news is that costs can come down significantly through automatic merit, tuition-matching programs like Voyager, and hidden gems such as STEM and departmental scholarships. Add in the nationally ranked Urban Affairs program and the opportunities through the Mandel Honors College, and CSU can be an affordable and practical choice for Ohio students—and even for out-of-state families. If your student is first-generation, interested in research, or looking for a supportive urban campus, CSU is worth a serious look.

✅ Last updated: September 5, 2025