University of Cincinnati vs Cleveland State University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Cincinnati and Cleveland State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Cincinnati vs Cleveland State University at a glance
University of Cincinnati admits 85.3% of applicants and Cleveland State University 91.3% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $24,917 at University of Cincinnati and $13,754 at Cleveland State University. Six-year graduation rates are 75% and 51.4%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Cincinnati admits 85.3% of applicants and Cleveland State University 91.3%, so University of Cincinnati is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $24,917 a year at University of Cincinnati and $13,754 at Cleveland State University; Cleveland State University costs $11,163 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $16,848 at University of Cincinnati and $10,230 at Cleveland State University.
- 75% of students graduate within six years at University of Cincinnati, against 51.4% at Cleveland State University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $60,832 for University of Cincinnati and $56,979 for Cleveland State University; University of Cincinnati is $3,853 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,500 at University of Cincinnati and $22,000 at Cleveland State University.
- University of Cincinnati enrolls 29,882 students (large city) and Cleveland State University 8,969 (large city).
Side by side
University of Cincinnati 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 | University of Cincinnati | Cleveland State University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 85.3% | 91.3% |
| Applicants | 25,775 | 11,506 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1160–1370 | 900–1170 |
| ACT middle 50% | 24–29 | 18–28 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $24,917 | $13,754 |
| Tuition, in state | $14,394 | $13,262 |
| Tuition, out of state | $29,728 | $18,946 |
| Cost of attendance | $33,026 | $27,436 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $16,848 | $10,230 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $17,178 | $13,389 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $20,592 | $19,883 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $26,884 | $17,297 |
| Over $110,000 | $30,546 | $16,567 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 75% | 51.4% |
| First-year retention | 85.4% | 70.3% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $60,832 | $56,979 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $22,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $250 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 29,882 | 8,969 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Cincinnati, 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
University of Cincinnati reports 96 bachelor's programs and Cleveland State University 74; 54 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Marketing
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Questions about University of Cincinnati vs Cleveland State University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Cincinnati or Cleveland State University?
University of Cincinnati is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Cincinnati admits 85.3% of applicants and Cleveland State University admits 91.3%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Cincinnati 1160–1370; Cleveland State University 900–1170.
Which is cheaper, University of Cincinnati or Cleveland State University?
Cleveland State University has the lower average net price after grants: $24,917 a year at University of Cincinnati against $13,754 at Cleveland State University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $16,848 and $10,230. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Cincinnati or Cleveland State University graduates earn more?
University of Cincinnati graduates earn more at the median: $60,832 ten years after entry for University of Cincinnati and $56,979 for Cleveland State University. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,500 and $22,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Cincinnati or Cleveland State University?
University of Cincinnati does: 75% of University of Cincinnati students graduate within six years, against 51.4% at Cleveland State University.
How big are University of Cincinnati and Cleveland State University?
University of Cincinnati has 29,882 students in Cincinnati, OH and Cleveland State University has 8,969 students in Cleveland, OH.