Ohio University vs Cleveland State University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Ohio University and Cleveland State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Ohio University vs Cleveland State University at a glance
Ohio University admits 85% of applicants and Cleveland State University 91.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $20,666 at Ohio University and $13,754 at Cleveland State University. Six-year graduation rates are 65.1% and 51.4%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Ohio University admits 85% of applicants and Cleveland State University 91.3%, so Ohio University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $20,666 a year at Ohio University and $13,754 at Cleveland State University; Cleveland State University costs $6,912 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,142 at Ohio University and $10,230 at Cleveland State University.
- 65.1% of students graduate within six years at Ohio University, against 51.4% at Cleveland State University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $61,938 for Ohio University and $56,979 for Cleveland State University; Ohio University is $4,959 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,475 at Ohio University and $22,000 at Cleveland State University.
- Ohio University enrolls 19,633 students (distant town) and Cleveland State University 8,969 (large city).
Side by side
Ohio University and Cleveland State University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Ohio University | Cleveland State University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 85% | 91.3% |
| Applicants | 21,733 | 11,506 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1090–1290 | 900–1170 |
| ACT middle 50% | 22–28 | 18–28 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $20,666 | $13,754 |
| Tuition, in state | $14,582 | $13,262 |
| Tuition, out of state | $25,796 | $18,946 |
| Cost of attendance | $31,615 | $27,436 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,142 | $10,230 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $14,643 | $13,389 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,141 | $19,883 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $22,188 | $17,297 |
| Over $110,000 | $24,609 | $16,567 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 65.1% | 51.4% |
| First-year retention | 83.9% | 70.3% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $61,938 | $56,979 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,475 | $22,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $250 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 19,633 | 8,969 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Town: Distant | City: Large |
| Location | Athens, OH | Cleveland, OH |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Ohio University reports 97 bachelor's programs and Cleveland State University 74; 53 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Marketing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication and Media Studies
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Accounting and Related Services
Questions about Ohio University vs Cleveland State University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Ohio University or Cleveland State University?
Ohio University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Ohio University admits 85% of applicants and Cleveland State University admits 91.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Ohio University 1090–1290; Cleveland State University 900–1170.
Which is cheaper, Ohio University or Cleveland State University?
Cleveland State University has the lower average net price after grants: $20,666 a year at Ohio University against $13,754 at Cleveland State University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,142 and $10,230. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Ohio University or Cleveland State University graduates earn more?
Ohio University graduates earn more at the median: $61,938 ten years after entry for Ohio University and $56,979 for Cleveland State University. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,475 and $22,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Ohio University or Cleveland State University?
Ohio University does: 65.1% of Ohio University students graduate within six years, against 51.4% at Cleveland State University.
How big are Ohio University and Cleveland State University?
Ohio University has 19,633 students in Athens, OH and Cleveland State University has 8,969 students in Cleveland, OH.