Cleveland State University Admissions

Cleveland State maintains a 69.1% retention rate, meaning approximately 7 out of 10 freshmen return for sophomore year. This retention rate falls below the peer median of 73.2%, indicating that student persistence presents ongoing challenges. The six-year graduation rate of 48.9% shows that roughly half of entering students complete their degrees within the standard timeframe. Pell-eligible students graduate at 45.8%, creating a 3.1 percentage point gap compared to the overall graduation rate. This relatively small gap suggests that Cleveland State provides effective support systems for lower-income students, though completion rates remain modest overall. The university's substantial transfer population (36.3%) may partially explain lower traditional graduation rates, as transfer students often require additional time to complete degree requirements. Students should expect an environment where academic support services play a crucial role in degree completion success. The retention and graduation data indicate that students who remain enrolled typically find the academic support and program quality necessary for persistence. Prospective students should plan to actively engage with academic support services and carefully consider their readiness for the independence and self-direction required in the university environment. Those with strong academic preparation and clear career goals are most likely to thrive in Cleveland State's student-centered but demanding academic environment.