Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution with 17,000-plus students, 10 colleges and schools and more than 175 academic programs.
Cleveland State University (CSU) Distance Learning Courses
Established as a state-assisted university in 1964, Cleveland State University assumed a tradition of excellence when it adopted the buildings, faculty, staff, and curriculum of the former Fenn College, a private institution of 2,500 students that was founded in 1929.
Education
Eight colleges, including Business, Education and Human Services, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Law, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Sciences and Health Profession, and Urban Affairs. The Division of Continuing Education offers noncredit courses to thousands of students each year. Project 60 offers free classes to senior citizens.
More than 1,000 courses support 200 major fields of study at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as professional certificate and continuing education programs. The University also offers an Honors Program to academically talented and highly motivated students.`
Research
Bernie Moreno Center for Sales Excellence
Center for Advanced Control Technologies
Center for Advancements in Renewable Energy
Center for Arts and Innovation
Center for Behavioral Health Sciences
Center for Community Planning and Development
Center for Economic Development
Center for Emergency Preparedness
Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease
Center for Healing Across Cultures
Center for Health Law and Policy
Career
Career coaching is free for current undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni of Cleveland State University.
Career coaching is free for current undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni of Cleveland State University.
Cleveland State University (CSU)Key Statistics & Highlights
#2076Ranking
18 Courses
511Academic Staff
16,000Students
1,400Students (int'l)
8,800Students (female)
Public Institution Type
Student services
Student Government Association represents both undergraduate and graduate students at Cleveland State University. Our purpose is to listen to students needs and concerns, represent the interests of the student population, and to provide information and opportunities for involvement on campus. Together, we build traditions, create pride, and allow students to own their space and own experience here at CSU!
Housing services
Cleveland State has two residence hall options providing students the opportunity to live, study, work and play in a safe, on-campus environment. On-site staff organize educational and social events and serve as resources.
Euclid Commons
Euclid Commons is CSU’s state-of-the-art community specially designed for the students of today and tomorrow. The community houses over 600 students.
Fenn Tower
Historic Fenn Tower has been restored to a state-of-the-art residence complex. The building houses up to 438 students. Fenn Tower provides the privacy and lifestyle you deserve in a student community that is conducive to achieving academic success.
Library services
Michael Schwartz Library
Law Library
ICT services
Information Services & Technology is responsible for providing and maintaining the wired / wireless network throughout the campus.
Campus life
Campus: More than 85 acres, 40-plus buildings (largest footprint in downtown Cleveland)
Sports facilities
NCAA Division I. Men’s basketball, fencing, golf, soccer, swimming, wrestling, tennis and lacrosse. Women’s basketball, cross-country, fencing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball and golf.
Student clubs
Alpha Kappa Alpha (SGA)
Alpha Sigma Alpha (SGA)
Delta Sigma Phi (SGA)
Delta Sigma Theta (SGA)
Delta Zeta (SGA)
Interfraternity Council (SGA)
National Pan-Hellenic Council (SGA)
Panhellenic Association (SGA)
Phi Mu (SGA)
Phi Sigma Rho Sorority (SGA)
Accreditation
AACSB Accreditation
Cleveland State University (CSU)Overview
Cleveland State University (CSU)Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 14.6%United States
Top 21.2%Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
2076
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 143 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
2025
2026
2027
1845
1933
2076
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
No 2027 Ranking
By TopUniversities
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
1201
1401
-
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Cleveland State University (CSU)Student Reviews & Awards
4.7
Based on 93 reviews
5 Star
66 Reviews
4 Star
27 Reviews
3 Star
0 Reviews
2 Star
0 Reviews
1 Star
0 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
Overall Satisfaction4.7
Student Teacher Interaction4.8
Student Diversity4.6
Quality of Student Life
Career Development4.6
5/5
A commuter-friendly campus in Cleveland
I love CSU. Although it has areas it can improve overall I love our Cleveland and I love our university. The administration really cares about the students here. The campus is very pedestrian-friendly and is best for commuter students.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromSep 2025 - May 2029
Posted onAug 2026
5/5
Recommendation
I firmly advise students and good learners from all over the world to enroll at this institution in a city of gold. If you're looking for a decent program of courses and welcoming surroundings all around, this will be the ideal university to select.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromUnknown
Posted onAug 2023
5/5
CSU features
Cleveland State University is the best place to obtain an education and has first-rate facilities. There are many programs, beautiful facilities, a friendly atmosphere, affordable housing, and excellent professors to support the students.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Student Teacher Interaction
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Student Diversity
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Quality of Student Life
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Career Development
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