Understanding Cleveland State University Tuition Fees

Navigating the costs of higher education can be daunting. This article provides a detailed overview of tuition fees at Cleveland State University (CSU), covering various aspects from in-state and out-of-state tuition to financial aid opportunities and cost of attendance estimates.

Tuition and Fees: An Overview

Tuition and fees at Cleveland State University are automatically calculated based on several factors: enrollment status, residency (whether you're an Ohio resident, a domestic non-resident, or an international student), and course selections. It's important to note that the fee schedule is subject to change without notice by the Board of Trustees.

Residency Matters

The fee schedule differentiates between non-resident students, separating them into domestic students (those living in the United States but not in Ohio) and international students (such as those studying at Cleveland State with an F1 or J1 Visa).

Additional Fees

Beyond tuition, students should be aware of additional fees. An Intercollegiate Athletic Fee of $3 per credit hour and a Career Services Fee of $4 per credit hour are assessed to all student accounts.

Important Disclaimer

All rates are subject to change. The tuition and fee information provided here is not intended to be comprehensive and is subject to change pending an action by the Board or the Ohio Legislature. Changes become effective on the date of enactment. This information should be used only as a guide for estimating tuition and fees.

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Understanding the Cost of Attendance (COA)

The cost of attendance (COA) is a very important concept for students to understand. It is considered the estimated educational expenses for two semesters. Generally, the COA is the sum of tuitions, fees, books (or other educational expenses), transportation, living (on or off campus), and misc. expenses. It’s a government-required estimate of both the direct & indirect costs associated with attending college and is used to determine your need for financial resources to assist with the cost of higher education.

COAs are initially calculated based on full-time enrollment in the fall and spring semesters of the academic year. After the defined census date (14th calendar day of each semester), adjustments are made for periods of enrollment less than full-time (less than 12 credit hours of coursework applicable to your declared major) and enrollment in courses that do not cover the entire length of the semester.

Full-time vs. Part-time Enrollment

Full-time is defined as enrollment in 12 or more credit hours applicable to your declared major. Half-time is defined as enrollment in 6-8 credit hours applicable to your declared major.

Components of COA

Each student will be charged tuition and fees, and all lab and technology fees. Tuition is based on a by-credit-fee and in-state residency, as well as academic program. Each student is considered full time at 12 credit hours. Students living in dorms will be charged room and board (meal plan). All other fees associated with the COA are estimates and will be dependent on the student.

Tuition Costs: In-State vs. Out-of-State

Cleveland State University's tuition is $13,362 for in-state students and $19,046 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,436, Cleveland State University is more expensive. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is cheaper than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,815.

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These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources and campus health centers.

Total Cost vs. Net Price

As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At Cleveland State University, the total cost is $32,938 for in-state students and $38,460 for out-of-state students.

Estimated Costs for 2025-2026 Academic Year

Here are the estimated rates as of April 2025. Final tuition rates for Fall 2025 will be finalized in Summer 2025. These amounts are based on one academic year of full-time study (not per semester). Note that fees are subject to change without prior notice.

Expense	Bachelor	Master	Doctorate	JD/Law	IELP
Tuition & Fees	$21,910	$24,180	$17,700	$31,130	$12,945
Room/Board	$16,800	$16,800	$16,800	$16,800	$16,800
Books & Supplies	$800	$800	$800	$800	$800
Health Insurance	$3,523	$3,523	$3,523	$3,523	$3,523
Local Transportation	$1,770	$1,770	$1,770	$1,770	$1,770
Personal Expenses	$1,800	$1,800	$1,800	$1,800	$1,800
Total Academic Year	$46,603	$48,873	$42,393	$55,823	$37,638

Fees Not Included in Tuition

International Matriculation Fee: $100 (paid only one time and nonrefundable)
International Services Fee: $30 per semester

Additional Considerations for Married Students

A married student who plans to bring his/her dependents will require an additional $3,500 for the spouse, $2,000 for 1 child or $5,058 for two or more children. These amounts should be added to the total number under the appropriate column. Additional insurance for family of F1 students is optional, but highly recommended. F2 dependents are not permitted to work or enroll in classes.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

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Students Receiving Financial Aid: 69.02%
Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 98.02%
Average Aid Package Awarded: $14,336

Types of Aid

Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back. Average award: $12,415.
Need-Based Loan Amount: Loans must be paid back. Average amount: $3,741.
Debt at Graduation: The typical amount of loans a student must pay back: $25,124.

Important Dates

Financial Aid Application Due: August 5 (The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.)

It's advisable to still apply for financial aid even if you don't make this due date.

Net Price: Understanding Your Actual Cost

Average Net Price: $15,719 per year. Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

Tuition Guarantee Plans

CSU has made the tuition factor easier for you in two ways: first, by following the state-mandated tuition guarantee which allows students to pay the same cost per credit for all 4 years of their undergraduate program; second, CSU has implemented a tuition band between 12 and 18 credits. The latter means that as a student you can pay the same tuition for 18 credits in a semester as you would have for 12.

Cost of Attendance 2-Semester Full-Time Estimates

In-State, Full-Time Tuition Guarantee Cohorts

Undergrad TGP 25/26 Cohort (Fall 25, Spring 26, Summer 26): $13,262
Undergrad TGP 24/25 Cohort (Fall 24, Spring 25, Summer 25): $12,874
Undergrad TGP 23/24 Cohort (Fall 23, Spring 24, Summer 24): $12,504
Undergrad TGP 22/23 Cohort (Fall 22, Spring 23, Summer 23): $12,144
Food/Housing (On or Off Campus): $15,614
Personal/Misc. Expenses: $2,200
Transportation: $1,700
Books and Supplies: $1,000
TOTAL: $32,658 - $33,776

In-State, Full-Time Law and Graduate

Law Tuition/Fees: $31,334
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,496
Food/Housing (On or Off Campus): $16,460
Personal/Misc. Expenses: $3,000
Transportation: $2,200
Books and Supplies: $1,200
TOTAL: $39,356 - $54,194

All totals except tuition are based on an estimated total.

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