Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Cleveland, Ohio
95.5% Acceptance Rate
Cleveland State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
95.5%Acceptance Rate
3.31Avg GPA
980Avg SAT
21Avg ACT
$26,310Annual Cost
$52,131Grad Salary
39%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
95.5%
Avg GPA
3.31
Avg SAT
980
Avg ACT
21
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
940–1010
ACT Middle 50%
17–25
Avg Net Price
$16,065
Need-Based Aid
39% receive Pell
Cleveland State University is an urban public research university in Ohio that emphasizes academic excellence, professional development, and community impact. Admissions focus on the strength of a student??s high school record and their readiness for a large, diverse, and fast-paced campus environment. The university seeks intellectually ambitious students who are ready to contribute to its vibrant campus community and take advantage of its extensive array of research and professional opportunities.
Successful applicants should highlight their success in rigorous coursework and their initiative in school or community projects. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning such as participating in research or relevant extracurricular fields can significantly strengthen an application. A strong personal statement reflects a clear understanding of how the university's research-intensive, urban environment will prepare the student for their specific career aspirations, as the admissions team prioritizes students with a focused and ambitious vision.
Cleveland State University Acceptance Rate
Cleveland State University (CIM) runs an open-access admission policy. With a 95.5% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 95.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.31 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.11 – 3.30
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.86
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Cleveland State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Cleveland State University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of February 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 180 days left — Priority Freshman
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
CIM reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Priority Freshman
February 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
CIM GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at CIM is 3.31. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 3.01–3.31 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.51–3.71.CIM GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.31 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.11 – 3.30
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.91 – 3.10
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.90
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Acceptance rate widely cited in the 85-91% range depending on source; ACT/SAT waived for admission consideration; $40 application fee was waived through Fall 2025 (students should confirm current waiver status); minimum 2.75 GPA generally referenced for competitive consideration.
- "Engaged learning" is CSU's core institutional identity - hands-on, real-world learning integrated into coursework, leveraging downtown Cleveland's urban location for research and community partnerships.
- CSU College of Law (formerly Cleveland-Marshall, merged 1969) was the first law school in Ohio to admit women and among the first to admit students of color; offers dual-degree JD options that reduce combined timeline by up to two semesters versus pursuing degrees separately.
- College Credit Plus allows Ohio high schoolers to earn college and high school credit simultaneously at CSU; the Accelerated Online BSN (ABSN) program uses a separate application system distinct from general undergraduate admission.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at CIM
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Cleveland State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Cleveland State University (CIM) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if CIM is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into CIM Without SAT or ACT?
CIM considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Cleveland State University Average SAT Score: 980
The average SAT score of admitted students at Cleveland State University is 980 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 980 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1010 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Cleveland State University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 940, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at CIM. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 980 | 940 | 1010 |
Below 940, you're behind most admitted students; at 1010 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000
Can I get into Cleveland State University (CIM) with a 1000 SAT?
A 1000 SAT puts you ahead of most of CIM's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Cleveland State University (CIM) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at CIM is 21.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 21 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national ACT mean.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 16 | 25 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 21 | 17 | 25 |
Can I get into Cleveland State University with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of CIM's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at CIM.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for CIM
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
CIM provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about using available resources well and planning your longer-term academic or career path.
Lean Into "Engaged Learning" as CSU's Core Institutional Identity, Not Just a Tagline
CSU explicitly structures its undergraduate experience around hands-on, real-world learning integrated directly into coursework, leveraging its location in the heart of downtown Cleveland to connect students with employers, research opportunities, and community partners during the academic year rather than only through traditional summer internships. Students applying should research which specific engaged-learning opportunities exist within their intended major (research labs, co-ops, community-based projects) and reference them specifically in application essays or scholarship materials, since generic "I want hands-on experience" language doesn't differentiate an applicant the way naming a specific CSU lab, center, or community partnership does.
Take Advantage of the Test-Optional and Fee-Waived Application Window
CSU has waived the ACT/SAT requirement for admission and was waiving its $40 application fee through Fall 2025 - students should confirm current fee-waiver status for their specific admission cycle, since these waivers are time-bound rather than permanent policy. Test scores appearing on an official high school transcript are still acceptable even without separate submission, so students with strong scores already on their transcript don't need to take extra steps to have them considered. This combination of test-optional admission and fee waivers substantially lowers the application barrier for students who might otherwise hesitate due to cost or testing anxiety.
Consider the Law School's Dual-Degree Pathway If Law Is a Long-Term Goal
CSU's College of Law (formerly Cleveland-Marshall, merged with CSU in 1969 and historically the first Ohio law school to admit women) offers dual-degree options allowing students to earn a JD and a second graduate degree from CSU - such as a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering - typically reducing the combined timeline by two semesters compared to pursuing the degrees separately. Students must apply separately to and be admitted by both the law school and the partner program; admission to one does not guarantee admission to the other. Undergraduates at CSU considering law school as a future goal should research which dual-degree combinations exist now, since planning undergraduate coursework with a specific dual-degree pathway in mind can streamline graduate admissions later.
Use College Credit Plus to Start College Coursework While Still in High School
Ohio high school students admitted to CSU's College Credit Plus program can simultaneously earn college and high school credit, interacting directly with full-time CSU students and faculty rather than taking isolated dual-enrollment courses. This is a genuine head start for motivated Ohio students, reducing both the cost and time needed to complete a CSU bachelor's degree later, and gives students real exposure to university-level coursework and campus culture before formally enrolling as a full-time student.
Expert Insight:
The most common failure pattern among CSU applicants is treating test-optional and fee-waived admission as evidence that program-specific requirements don't exist - particularly relevant for the Accelerated Online BSN (ABSN) program, which uses an entirely separate application system from general undergraduate admission. A student who completes the standard CSU application assuming it covers ABSN enrollment will find their application incomplete or misdirected. Students interested in nursing or other selective programs should confirm with admissions whether their intended major requires a separate application system before assuming the general undergraduate process covers everything.
CIM Profile
Full Name
Cleveland State University (CIM)
City
Cleveland
State
Ohio
ZIP Code
44115-2214
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a CIM Degree Worth It?
Whether CIM is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $57,800, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.68%.
How much does a degree from CIM Cost?
The sticker price is $26,310/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $16,065.
39% of students receive a Pell Grant and 46.9% take federal loans at CIM. File your FAFSA early and list CIM as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a CIM Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $52,131. That's about 28% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Cleveland State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Johnson University Florida | Kissimmee, FL | 940 | NA |
| Warner University | Lake Wales, FL | 937 | 17 |
| Gordon State College | Barnesville, GA | 950 | 18 |
| Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College | Saint Mary of the Woods, IN | 966 | 17 |
| Baker University | Baldwin City, KS | 950 | 17 |
| Union Commonwealth University | Barbourville, KY | 965 | 18 |
| Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | 955 | 17 |
| Southern University and A & M College | Baton Rouge, LA | 938 | 17 |
| Bowie State University | Bowie, MD | 935 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Cleveland State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | 985 | NA |
| Delaware State University | Dover, DE | 984 | 24 |
| Clayton State University | Morrow, GA | 973 | 18 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Cleveland State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
Degree Programs at CIM
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About CIM Admissions
Median graduate earnings at Cleveland State University run about $52,131 a year.
At about $26,310 a year, Cleveland State University is on the more affordable end.
About 39.0% receive a Pell Grant at Cleveland State University. The odds are moderate and largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 95.5%, Cleveland State University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Cleveland State University average a 3.31 GPA.
Cleveland State University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 3.01 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.91, Cleveland State University becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Cleveland State University — aim above 980, ideally within the 940–1010 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Cleveland State University is February 1. Rolling Admissions is also offered, so applying early improves your chances.
The application fee is 40. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is February 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.