Cleveland State University

About Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University is a public urban research university in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, founded by the merger of Fenn College into the state system (1964–65). CSU serves a diverse, mostly commuter student body and reports more than 1,400 international students across undergraduate and graduate programs.

 

Why choose CSU (for international students)

  • Urban location & career access: CSU’s downtown campus places you close to Cleveland’s hospitals, legal, finance and tech employers (helpful for internships and part-time work).

  • Streamlined international support: Cleveland State Global / International Admissions provides dedicated pathways, advising, and an Intensive English Language Program for students who need language prep.

  • Value & program breadth: CSU mixes professional programs (law, business, engineering, health) with research activity and many practical, career-oriented options.

 

University ranking & reputation (short)

CSU appears in international rankings (Times Higher Education) and U.S. News program listings (especially for some graduate programs). Rankings vary year to year — check program pages for discipline-specific reputation (for example, law, business and health programs are often highlighted).

 

Campus locations & setting

  • Main (Downtown) Campus: 2121 Euclid Ave, Cleveland — compact urban campus integrated into the city core.

  • Campus master planning and recent capital projects refreshed academic and student spaces (library/student center / new academic buildings). The downtown location gives easy access to transit, medical centers and employers.

 

Types of courses / Study levels & number of programs offered

  • Levels: CSU offers undergraduate (associate & bachelor’s), graduate (master’s, doctoral), professional (including Cleveland-Marshall College of Law) and certificate programs.

  • Program count & variety: CSU advertises hundreds of programs across colleges (business, engineering, arts & sciences, health professions, law, education). See the online program catalog for the exact program list for your intake year.

 

Mode of learning (onsite / e-learning / blended)

  • Onsite (in-person): Most undergraduate and many graduate classes are campus-based.

  • Online / hybrid: CSU offers online courses and some programs in hybrid formats; international applicants can be placed on an appropriate track (including pathway programs) through Cleveland State Global. Confirm specific program delivery (some professional/grad programs have more online options).

 

Admissions essentials for international students

  • Application routes: Cleveland State Global runs a streamlined international admissions funnel (UStart and direct tracks). Use the Global admissions pages to start your application and get track guidance.

  • English requirements: CSU publishes undergraduate and graduate English proficiency requirements and runs an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) for students needing language preparation. Graduate programs may list GRE/GMAT requirements per department.

 

Highlights & strengths (what students like)

  • City as campus: downtown Cleveland provides strong practicum/internship opportunities (healthcare, law, public affairs, business).

  • Support services for internationals: admissions advising, orientation, housing support and an IELP pathway make transition easier.

  • Active graduate offerings & professional schools: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and applied health and engineering programs are notable CSU strengths.

 

Latest updates & things international students should know (select recent items)

  • Transportation change: CSU ended its U-Pass transit program (which provided discounted unlimited RTA access for students); this affects commuting costs and transit access for students who relied on it — watch campus announcements for alternatives.

  • Admissions & event timing: CSU runs rolling admissions for many programs and hosts regular Open House and international recruitment events — apply early and check Global’s deadlines.

 

Practical next steps (if you’re considering CSU)

  1. Pick 1–2 programs on CSU’s program catalog and note specific admission requirements (departmental prerequisites, test scores).

  2. Use the Cleveland State Global international admissions portal to start the correct application track (UStart, direct undergraduate or graduate).

  3. Prepare proof of funds for I-20, English test scores (or enroll in IELP), and contact the scholarships office about international award eligibility.

  4. If you plan to commute, check current transit arrangements and budget (note U-Pass change).

Scholarship

International Student Scholarships (Undergraduate & Graduate)

  • For undergraduates, the site says: “Undergraduate students are encouraged to use our comprehensive scholarship page to see which scholarships may be available based on your academic college.”

  • For graduates, the site mentions Graduate Assistantships, which are “highly competitive and limited” and may provide tuition scholarship and/or living stipend.

  • It is explicitly stated: “Please note that we are unable to offer any federal financial aid to international students.”

  • Thus, for an international student, you should browse both the general scholarship listings (undergraduate & graduate) AND the “International Student Scholarships” section to identify what applies.

 

Departmental/College-Specific Scholarships (open to internationals)

An example: in the College of Engineering at CSU, the “Monte & Usha Ahuja Endowment Scholarship” states: “International students are welcome to apply.”


So departmental scholarships are a helpful route — if you are in engineering, business, etc., check the department’s “Scholarships” page for awards that explicitly allow international applicants.

 

Graduate Assistantships (for international graduate students)

Graduate students (including internationals) may apply for Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Research Assistantships (RAs) through their academic department. These positions may provide tuition remission (or a tuition scholarship) + a stipend. The international student scholarships page mentions that these assistantships are an important option.


You will need to coordinate with your department and possibly the Graduate School at CSU.

 

Study-Abroad / Education Away Scholarships (for current students)

CSU offers scholarships for students going abroad or on study-away programs (these may or may not apply to international students per se, but useful if you do part of your degree outside the U.S.). For example: the “CISP Education Away Scholarship” gives ~$500-$1,200 for eligible students.


While this is less relevant for someone arriving from abroad to study at CSU, it shows CSU has multiple funding avenues.

 

Eligibility requirements & application prerequisites (for internationals)

Here’s what you as an international student should check & prepare:

  • Admission status: You must be admitted to CSU into a degree-seeking program (undergraduate or graduate). Often scholarship eligibility is tied to admission.

  • Full-time enrollment: Many awards require you to be registered full-time (12+ credits for undergraduates, proper credit load for graduates) — check the individual scholarship.

  • Academic performance: For departmental scholarships you’ll often need good GPA (for example engineering scholarship: undergrad must maintain 3.00 GPA, grad 3.33 GPA in that example).

  • International status and limitations: Because federal aid is not available, you’ll need to show that you can meet tuition + living costs after any scholarship, via personal funds, family, or sponsor. As the International Scholarships page notes, staff cannot offer federal aid to international students.

  • Deadlines & application procedures: Some scholarships require a separate application form, transcript, essay, etc. For example, for the study-away scholarship: must submit application form + essay + (if no FAFSA) a FAFSA worksheet.

  • Renewal criteria: Many scholarships require you to maintain minimum GPA, continue full-time enrolment, and often continue in good standing for subsequent years. Check the award letter or scholarship page for renewal terms.

  • Departmental contact: Especially for graduate assistantships or departmental scholarships, you’ll often need to contact the department directly as part of the process (they make nominations or offer positions).

  • International sponsored student status: If you are sponsored by a government or organization, the Bursar’s page explains what financial guarantee / letter you must provide. This isn’t a scholarship, but important for your funding plan.

 

Practical tips & what to watch out for

  • Since many scholarships are competitive and funds limited for internationals, apply early for admission and scholarship portions.

  • Identify and contact your academic department (especially graduate programmes) to ask about assistantships or scholarships for international students — they may have funds not widely advertised.

  • Gather strong academic credentials (prior transcripts, English proficiency, grades) — merit scholarships tend to favour higher academic achievement.

  • Make a realistic budget: Understand tuition + estimated living costs at CSU, subtract any scholarship you may receive, and ensure you have funds for the rest (visa proof, living, books, health insurance).

  • Review the renewal conditions of any scholarship you receive — failing to maintain required GPA or credit load may result in loss.

  • Use external scholarships: CSU’s international student page lists many external scholarships (from third parties) you can apply to.

  • Avoid scholarship scams: CSU’s FAQ page points out to watch out for any organization asking for application fees, asking for bank/credit card numbers, or guaranteeing awards.

  • Make sure the scholarship is explicitly open to international students — some institutional funds are only for U.S. citizens/permanent residents even if you may attempt to apply.

Programs

Cleveland, USA