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Cleveland State University vs Mercy College of Ohio

Cleveland State University is a public university in Cleveland, OH, and Mercy College of Ohio is a private college in Toledo, OH. Cleveland State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 91% of applicants against 93% at Mercy College of Ohio. Cleveland State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,764 a year against $17,989 at Mercy College of Ohio. About 50% of students graduate at Cleveland State University, compared with 49% at Mercy College of Ohio. Ten years after enrolling, Mercy College of Ohio alumni earn a median of about $65,409, against $52,131 for Cleveland State University.

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH · Public

Mercy College of Ohio

Toledo, OH · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Cleveland, OH
Toledo, OH
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,969
939
Acceptance rate
91%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.1–3.6
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1130
790–1010
ACT (middle 50%)
17–25
15–20
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,764
$17,989
Full cost / yr
$27,159
$30,260
In-state tuition
$12,988
$19,470
Out-of-state tuition
$18,510
$19,470
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,958
$19,867
$30k - $48k
$13,561
$13,037
$48k - $75k
$14,727
$11,567
$75k - $110k
$15,690
$21,291
Over $110k
$20,378
$19,735
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
49%
Freshman retention
70%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,625
$61,877
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,131
$65,409
Median debt at graduation
$21,797
$20,834
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
33%
First-generation students
38%
49%
International students
6%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Cleveland State University or Mercy College of Ohio harder to get into?
Cleveland State University is harder to get into. It admits about 91% of applicants, compared with 93% at Mercy College of Ohio. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Cleveland State University or Mercy College of Ohio?
Cleveland State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,764 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,989 at Mercy College of Ohio. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Cleveland State University and Mercy College of Ohio?
Before aid, Cleveland State University costs about $27,159 a year and Mercy College of Ohio about $30,260. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Cleveland State University or Mercy College of Ohio?
Cleveland State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,958 there, against about $19,867 at Mercy College of Ohio. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Cleveland State University or Mercy College of Ohio?
Cleveland State University is the larger of the two, with about 8,969 undergraduates against 939 at Mercy College of Ohio.
Does Cleveland State University or Mercy College of Ohio have a better graduation rate?
Cleveland State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 49% at Mercy College of Ohio.
Do graduates of Cleveland State University or Mercy College of Ohio earn more?
Mercy College of Ohio alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,409 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,131 for Cleveland State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Cleveland State University and Mercy College of Ohio require SAT or ACT scores?
Cleveland State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mercy College of Ohio considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Cleveland State University and Mercy College of Ohio look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1130 at Cleveland State University and 790–1010 at Mercy College of Ohio. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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