Cleveland State University's published cost of attendance is $26,310 per year, including $12,613 in-state tuition, $14,760 for room and board, and $900 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $17,973 in tuition, increasing total costs to $33,633.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,310 |
| Tuition and Fees | $17,973 |
| Room and Board | $14,760 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,245 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,065 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $13,058 |
| $30–48k | $14,122 |
| $48–75k | $16,697 |
| $75–110k | $19,512 |
| $110k+ | $22,320 |
Cleveland State University's published cost of attendance is $26,310 per year, including $12,613 in-state tuition, $14,760 for room and board, and $900 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $17,973 in tuition, increasing total costs to $33,633. However, the average student pays $16,065 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,245 from the sticker price.
This net price falls $1,972 above the peer median of $14,093, indicating higher costs than typical public regional universities. The financial aid savings demonstrate substantial institutional commitment to affordability, covering nearly 39% of published costs on average. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $13,058 for families earning under $30,000 to $22,320 for those earning over $110,000.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Cleveland State graduates carry a median debt of $21,797, falling slightly below the peer median of $21,105 by $692. Debt levels range from $6,000 at the 25th percentile to $26,000 at the 75th percentile, showing moderate variation in borrowing patterns.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 indicates manageable burden relative to median earnings of $52,131, falling within sustainable ranges for most career paths. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $16,818 with monthly payments of $221, representing additional family financial commitment beyond student borrowing.
The controlled student debt levels, particularly when compared to peer institutions, suggest effective financial counseling and aid packaging that limits over-borrowing. Graduates can expect debt service to consume roughly 42% of their first year's earnings, declining as income grows over time.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Cleveland State delivers solid return on educational investment through controlled costs and earnings that exceed expectations. Graduates earn $5,869 beyond predicted outcomes based on student demographics and program mix, ranking at the 76.4th percentile nationally on this value-added measure.
Median earnings of $52,131 surpass the peer median of $50,116 by $2,015 annually, indicating stronger outcomes than typical regional public universities. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 falls within manageable ranges, supporting long-term financial stability for graduates.
Net prices running $1,972 above peer medians are offset by stronger earnings performance, creating favorable lifetime value. Students benefit from the combination of accessible admission, controlled borrowing, and outcomes that exceed institutional expectations.
Cleveland State enrolls 39.0% Pell-eligible students, reflecting substantial service to lower-income populations and exceeding many public regional universities in economic diversity. The $10,245 average financial aid savings represents nearly 39% of published costs, indicating strong institutional commitment to affordability.
Aid appears concentrated toward lower-income students, with families earning under $48,000 receiving net prices substantially below the average. The progressive aid structure aligns with the university's 38.4% first-generation student enrollment, suggesting coordinated efforts to support students from families with limited college experience and resources.
Students from middle-income families should expect moderate aid levels, while those from higher-income backgrounds will pay closer to published prices. The financial aid profile supports Cleveland State's role as an access-oriented institution while maintaining revenue streams necessary for educational quality.
