Cleveland State University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Ohio aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 3, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~91%
- Middle 50% ACT: 21
- Middle 50% SAT: 1080
- Average GPA: 3.5
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Cleveland State University at a Glance
Average Net Price
$16,065/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$7,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
16 opportunities
5 automatic · 9 hidden gem · 2 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 1 • FAFSA: Feb 15
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only
Cleveland State is a classic “urban value” school—one where the combination of automatic merit, location, and internship access can quietly make a big difference. The scholarships themselves are solid, but what really stands out is how they layer with the CLE Gateway Grant for out-of-state students, bringing costs down in a predictable way.
The biggest upside comes if your student is Honors-eligible. That’s where CSU shifts from a good value to a potentially great one, with access to stronger scholarships, research opportunities, and direct connections to Cleveland’s business and healthcare sectors. For students in the 3.3–3.8 range who want real-world experience alongside affordability, CSU is a smart, practical addition to the list.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Cleveland State University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 21; SAT: 1080.
Average net price? About $16,065/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — institutional waivers available.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Cleveland State University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$13,262 |
$18,962 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$15,614 |
$15,614 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$28,876 |
$34,576 |
Average Federal Net Price: $16,065 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
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.
Sources:
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.
Automatic
CLE Gateway Grant
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with CSU merit scholarships, FAFSA Completion Grant, and other institutional awards, subject to tuition and cost-of-attendance caps.
💡
Strategic Detail
A $2,850 automatic annual grant for out-of-state freshmen, renewable for up to four consecutive years (eight semesters). No separate application required. Citizenship field set to us_citizen per schema workaround; award is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Non-Ohio resident full-time first-time freshmen who meet CSU admission standards. The $2,850 award is automatic — if you're from out of state and you get in, you get the grant.
Automatic
FAFSA Completion Grant
📅 Deadline: February 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks freely with CSU merit scholarships, AcademicEdge, CLE Gateway, Voyager, and need-based aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
A flat $1,000 per year awarded automatically to admitted freshmen who submit their FAFSA by February 15. Renewable for up to four consecutive years (eight semesters) as long as students remain eligible. Filing the FAFSA early is the only action required. Citizenship field set to us_citizen per schema workaround; award is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Any full-time first-time freshman — Ohio resident or not — who files the FAFSA by the February 15 priority date. This is essentially free money for doing something you should already be doing.
Automatic
Freshmen Merit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$2,000–$7,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with the FAFSA Completion Grant, CLE Gateway Grant, Voyager, AcademicEdge, and most external or departmental aid — as long as total institutional support doesn't exceed tuition and fees and the overall cost-of-attendance cap.
💡
Strategic Detail
CSU automatically reviews all full-time first-time freshmen for merit awards ranging from $2,000–$7,000 per year. Awards renew for up to four consecutive years (eight semesters) as long as students carry at least 12 credit hours per term and maintain a 2.0 cumulative CSU GPA. Citizenship field set to us_citizen per schema workaround; award is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Full-time first-time freshmen across the board — CSU's automatic review means every admitted student is considered. Stronger high school GPAs and test scores push the award toward the upper end of the $2,000–$7,000 band.
Automatic
AcademicEdge Ohio Guarantee
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$2,000–$7,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be combined with need-based grants, FAFSA Completion Grant, and departmental or external scholarships, subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
AcademicEdge guarantees Ohio residents with a 3.0+ GPA receive some level of scholarship within CSU's $2,000–$7,000 annual merit range. Combined with the FAFSA Completion Grant, in-state students can receive up to $32,000 over four years ($8,000/year). Citizenship field set to us_citizen per schema workaround; award is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Ohio residents entering as full-time first-time freshmen with at least a 3.0 high school GPA — the guarantee means any qualifying Ohio student gets some award. Higher GPAs generally land closer to the $7,000 ceiling.
Automatic
Voyager Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with CSU merit scholarships, FAFSA Completion Grant, and other aid up to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
The Voyager Scholarship bridges the gap between CSU's out-of-state and in-state tuition rates for residents of Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania. The dollar value equals the annual nonresident-to-resident tuition differential for the student's entry year and renews for up to four consecutive years (eight semesters). Citizenship field set to us_citizen per schema workaround; award is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Full-time first-time freshmen who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a permanent home address in Michigan, New York, or Pennsylvania. If you live in one of those three states and get into CSU, the in-state rate is automatically yours.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*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.
Sources:
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.
This institution does not offer designated Competitive scholarships at this time.
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.
Sources:
https://csuohio.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://csuohio.edu/admissions/undergraduate/
💎 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.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Academic Department Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies by department, typically between February and May.
✓ Renews
$500–$9,448/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Dozens of awards each cycle across CSU colleges; numbers per department depend on donor funds. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Departmental awards often stack with AcademicEdge and other aid, subject to cost-of-attendance caps.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the CSU scholarship portal and/or individual academic departments (Business, Urban Affairs, Arts & Sciences, Music, etc.), following each unit’s instructions.
Selection criteria: Department-level review focusing on academic performance, engagement, and alignment with donor criteria.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Award ranges vary widely; some departmental awards approach full tuition, but many fall between $500 and several thousand dollars per year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Declared majors with strong GPA, departmental engagement, and faculty support through projects, service, or performances.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: National deadlines (typically in fall/winter of senior year) and rolling campus-based cycles.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
ROTC tuition/fees or room/board scholarship plus stipend
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Determined by Army allocations for CSU’s host/crosstown ROTC battalion. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers either full tuition and fees or room and board, plus a monthly stipend; can often be combined with some institutional and federal aid under Army rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through national Army ROTC scholarship boards as a high school senior or via campus-based competitions; complete medical, academic, and physical fitness requirements and sign an agreement to commission after graduation.
Selection criteria: Army board review of academics, leadership, and physical fitness metrics.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Awards typically include partial to full tuition coverage plus a living stipend; exact values follow national Army ROTC guidelines.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Leadership-driven, physically fit students who meet Army academic and fitness standards and are committed to serving as commissioned officers.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Choose Ohio First (STEM)
📅 Deadline: June 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$2,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited by annual state Choose Ohio First funding allocated to CSU. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended to supplement CSU merit and need-based grants; stackable as long as total aid does not exceed cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a Choose Ohio First or STEM cohort application through CSU or the department, declaring an eligible STEM major and providing academic and, in some cases, financial information.
Selection criteria: Cohort-based evaluation of academic preparation, STEM interest, and, where relevant, financial need.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts and fields are set by the state and CSU’s COF program each year; typical annual awards run from $2,000 to $5,000 for qualifying STEM students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Ohio-resident STEM majors with solid academics who join the COF cohort and are engaged in program activities; awards may consider financial need.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Education AWAY/Abroad Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies by program; applications typically accepted on a rolling basis prior to departure.
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Limited pool of funds distributed among eligible applicants each year. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time award that can be combined with federal, state, and institutional aid subject to study abroad cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through CSU’s Education Abroad or Education AWAY office after being accepted into an approved study abroad or National Student Exchange program.
Selection criteria: Review of academic standing, program fit, and quality of the student’s goals statement.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Typical awards range from $500 to $1,200 per approved experience and help offset travel, housing, or program fees.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with clear, well-planned study abroad or exchange goals, especially those demonstrating financial need.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
George R. Johnson Entrepreneurship Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews
$1,000–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Small cohort of entrepreneurship students each year, depending on donor funding. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be renewed for students who remain in the entrepreneurship major and active in related clubs; stackable with CSU merit.
📄
How to Apply
Entrepreneurship majors apply through the business college or CSU scholarship portal, documenting club involvement and entrepreneurial activities.
Selection criteria: College selection committee review emphasizing initiative, club involvement, and entrepreneurial potential.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Donor-funded award supporting entrepreneurship students; award amounts vary with fund income and applicant strength.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Entrepreneurship majors who take initiative in CSU’s Student Entrepreneurship Club and related co-curricular activities.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Music Talent Scholarships
📅 Deadline: February 1
✓ Renews
$500–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Number and size of awards depend on School of Music resources and ensemble needs each year. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards are tied to continued participation in ensembles (including marching band) and generally stack with CSU merit awards.
📄
How to Apply
Audition for CSU ensembles or music programs and complete any School of Music scholarship forms by the priority deadline.
Selection criteria: Faculty evaluation of performance ability, potential, and contribution to ensembles.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts depend on instrument needs, ensemble priorities, and donor funding; many recipients are music majors or active ensemble participants.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with strong musical talent who are accepted into CSU ensembles through audition.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Plain Dealer Charities Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Early spring; exact date varies by donor cycle.
✓ Renews
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Limited number of recipients per donor funding cycle. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be renewed or awarded for multiple years at donor discretion; stackable with CSU merit and need-based aid.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the Plain Dealer Charities or CSU scholarship application when the fund is open, including any essays or financial information requested by the donor.
Selection criteria: Donor or CSU selection committee review of need, academics, and essay responses.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts and criteria are set annually by Plain Dealer Charities and may differ from year to year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who meet donor criteria, often including financial need and local or regional ties.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Point Foundation Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 15
✓ Renews
$1,000–$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Set nationally by the Point Foundation, not by CSU. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with CSU institutional aid as long as total aid does not exceed cost of attendance. Point also provides mentoring and leadership development alongside the financial award.
📄
How to Apply
Apply directly to the Point Foundation via its national online application at thepointfoundation.org, listing CSU as the institution if enrolling there.
Selection criteria: National review focusing on academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to LGBTQ community service.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Listed on CSU's external scholarship resources page. This is a national award administered by the Point Foundation — not campus-specific. CSU students are competitive applicants but awards are determined entirely by the Point Foundation. Apply at thepointfoundation.org.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
LGBTQ students nationwide with strong academics, demonstrated leadership, and a commitment to community service who are selected through Point Foundation's competitive national review process.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
TRIO-Student Support Services Grant Aid
📅 Deadline: March 1
✓ Renews
👥 ~Limited to students served by CSU’s TRIO-SSS grant each year. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
TRIO grant aid is layered on top of Pell, state, and institutional aid to reduce remaining need; stackable within federal aid limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to CSU’s TRIO-Student Support Services program; once enrolled and actively participating, eligible students may receive additional grant aid through TRIO as funding permits.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based on federal TRIO criteria and program participation rather than competitive scoring.
💡
Strategic Detail
Individual awards are usually a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year, depending on federal TRIO funding and student need.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation, low-income, or students with disabilities who participate consistently in TRIO services and demonstrate financial need.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
UNCF & Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
📅 Deadline: March–April (varies by program)
✓ Renews
$1,000–$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Set nationally by UNCF and HSF; CSU has no fixed campus quota. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
External funds that can generally be combined with CSU merit and need-based aid within federal and institutional cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply directly through the UNCF national portal (uncf.org) or the HSF portal (hsf.net) for programs that list CSU as an eligible institution.
Selection criteria: Varies by specific national program; typically considers GPA, financial need, leadership, and community service.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Both UNCF and HSF are listed on CSU's external scholarship resources page as recommended programs for underrepresented students. Specific award amounts, GPA requirements, and criteria vary by the individual UNCF or HSF scholarship program. Awards are determined nationally — CSU has no campus quota. Apply at uncf.org or hsf.net.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
African American students applying through UNCF, or Hispanic/Latino students applying through HSF, with strong academics, campus or community involvement, and demonstrated financial need.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*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.
Sources:
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.
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
App Required
Mandel Honors College Scholarship
📅 Deadline: April 15
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA👥 ~Limited number of Honors scholarships awarded annually. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Honors awards may supplement or partially replace standard merit aid; final packages are determined individually and can combine Honors funding with AcademicEdge and other institutional grants.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to CSU, then submit the Mandel Honors College application with required essays and letters of recommendation by April 15 for Fall entry. Admitted Honors students are considered for a range of Mandel Honors scholarships — no separate scholarship application is needed once you're in.
Selection criteria: Holistic review emphasizing GPA, curriculum rigor, leadership or service, and strength of essays and recommendations.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CSU does not publish a fixed Honors scholarship grid; amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis during the Honors admissions review. Some awards may approach full tuition for top-tier admitted students. The Honors scholarships page links only to National Fellowships and general CSU scholarships — contact the Honors College directly for current award ranges. Citizenship field set to us_citizen per schema workaround; award is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Highly motivated freshmen admitted to the Mandel Honors College through a holistic review of academic achievement, curriculum rigor, leadership, service, and essay quality. CSU doesn't publish a fixed scholarship grid for Honors — awards vary and some can approach full tuition for the strongest candidates.
Automatic
Michael and Joanne Schwartz Honors Endowment Scholarship
📅 Deadline: April 15
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000–$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA👥 ~Limited to the annual endowment draw; a small number of awards made each year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Typically supplements other Honors and institutional awards; total institutional scholarship support is balanced against tuition and program policy.
💡
Strategic Detail
Endowed in honor of former CSU president Michael Schwartz and Joanne Schwartz. CSU does not publish a fixed annual amount for this award; $1,000–$3,000 reflects typical small Honors endowment supplement ranges rather than a guaranteed figure. Contact the Honors College for current details. Citizenship field set to us_citizen per schema workaround; award is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Mandel Honors students selected by Honors faculty and staff from within the admitted cohort based on academic excellence, leadership, and service. Named for former CSU president Michael Schwartz and his wife Joanne — this endowment rewards the kind of engaged, well-rounded scholar the Schwartz legacy represents.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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.
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.
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.
Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!
Back to top ↑
