Cleveland State University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive scholarship options
- Regional tuition waivers for nearby states
- Honors College benefits and key deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~91%
- Middle 50% ACT: 18–25
- Middle 50% SAT: 950–1200
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.3–3.8
Source: Cleveland State University Common Data Set 2024–25 and BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Cleveland State University at a Glance
Last verified: October 18, 2025
Cleveland State University (CSU) blends urban access with strong affordability—especially for high-achieving students. Automatic scholarships are available to both in-state and out-of-state students, and competitive programs in the Mandel Honors College can offer substantial awards.
With a test-optional admissions policy, a dedicated out-of-state CLE Gateway Grant, and an emphasis on hands-on research and internships, CSU is an affordable choice for academically motivated students looking to study in the heart of downtown Cleveland.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — CSU is currently test-optional for admission; students are encouraged to submit ACT/SAT scores for scholarship consideration.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 18–25; SAT: 950–1200 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $16,065/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? CSU offers the CLE Gateway Grant for out-of-state students; additional competitive scholarships may further lower costs.
https://www.csuohio.edu/financial-aid/freshmen-scholarships
https://www.csuohio.edu/financial-aid/cost-attendance
https://go.csuohio.edu/apply/
https://honors.csuohio.edu/
https://www.csuohio.edu/financial-aid/honors-program-incoming-freshmen
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?202134-Cleveland-State-University=
💰 Cost of Attendance at Cleveland State University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State* |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $13,262 | $18,962 (est.) |
| Housing & Meals (On or Off Campus) | $15,614 | $15,614 |
| Total (Before Aid) | $33,776 | ≈ $38,476 |
Note: Totals above include only expenses billed directly by Cleveland State (tuition, fees, housing, and meals). Other estimated indirect costs—books & supplies (~$1,000), transportation (~$1,700), and personal/miscellaneous (~$2,200)— are not paid directly to the university but factor into the overall cost of attendance for financial-aid purposes.
Voyager Scholarship (Out-of-State Tuition Match)
Students from Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania may qualify to attend at the in-state tuition rate—a savings of roughly $5,700 per year. This award is automatic with admission review (no separate application). Priority deadline: March 1.
FAQ
Who qualifies for the Voyager program?
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. Apply before March 1 for priority consideration.
https://www.csuohio.edu/financial-aid/cost-attendance
https://www.csuohio.edu/financial-aid/freshmen-scholarships
https://honors.csuohio.edu/
https://go.csuohio.edu/apply/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?202134-Cleveland-State-University=
✅ 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | March 1 (priority) |
| Non-Resident Merit (Domestic Tier 1) | $10,000 | 3.9+ GPA or ACT ≥28 / SAT ≥1310 | No | Yes (full-time, GPA req. in award letter) | Eligible non-residents at the highest academic tier | March 1 (priority) |
| Non-Resident Merit (Domestic Tier 2) | $9,000 | 3.75–3.89 GPA or ACT ≥27 / SAT ≥1280 | No | Yes (full-time, GPA req. in award letter) | Strong non-residents in the upper GPA/test range | March 1 (priority) |
| Non-Resident Merit (Domestic Tier 3) | $8,500 | 3.5–3.74 GPA or ACT ≥26 / SAT ≥1240 or test-optional | No | Yes (full-time, GPA req. in award letter) | Good-achieving non-residents | March 1 (priority) |
| Non-Resident Merit (Domestic Tier 4) | $3,500 | 3.2–3.49 GPA or ACT ≥25 / SAT ≥1200 | No | Yes (full-time, GPA req. in award letter) | Non-residents meeting the baseline requirement | March 1 (priority) |
| 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. | March 1 (priority) |
*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.
https://csuohio.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://csuohio.edu/admissions/undergraduate/
🏆 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.
https://csuohio.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://csuohio.edu/admissions/undergraduate/
🎖️ 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.
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+*.
- 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | Nov 15, Jan 15, Mar 15 (priority windows) |
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.
https://csuohio.edu/honors/
https://csuohio.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
⭐ 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.
- 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.