Skip to content

University of Akron Main Campus vs Cleveland State University

University of Akron Main Campus is a public university in Akron, OH, and Cleveland State University is a public university in Cleveland, OH. University of Akron Main Campus is the more selective of the two, admitting about 60% of applicants against 91% at Cleveland State University. University of Akron Main Campus is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,946 a year against $14,764 at Cleveland State University. About 50% of students graduate at both. Ten years after enrolling, Cleveland State University alumni earn a median of about $52,131, against $46,600 for University of Akron Main Campus.

University of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH · Public

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Akron, OH
Cleveland, OH
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
9,052
8,969
Acceptance rate
60%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.4–3.9
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1190
880–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
17–25
17–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,946
$14,764
Full cost / yr
$26,284
$27,159
In-state tuition
$13,135
$12,988
Out-of-state tuition
$20,815
$18,510
Application fee
$50
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,413
$11,958
$30k - $48k
$10,131
$13,561
$48k - $75k
$13,519
$14,727
$75k - $110k
$17,800
$15,690
Over $110k
$20,226
$20,378
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
50%
Freshman retention
73%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,269
$44,625
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,600
$52,131
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$21,797
Student body
Pell grant recipients
29%
41%
First-generation students
36%
38%
International students
2%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
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 University of Akron Main Campus or Cleveland State University harder to get into?
University of Akron Main Campus is harder to get into. It admits about 60% of applicants, compared with 91% at Cleveland State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Akron Main Campus or Cleveland State University?
University of Akron Main Campus is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,946 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,764 at Cleveland State University. 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 University of Akron Main Campus and Cleveland State University?
Before aid, University of Akron Main Campus costs about $26,284 a year and Cleveland State University about $27,159. 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, University of Akron Main Campus or Cleveland State University?
University of Akron Main Campus. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,413 there, against about $11,958 at Cleveland State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Akron Main Campus or Cleveland State University?
University of Akron Main Campus is the larger of the two, with about 9,052 undergraduates against 8,969 at Cleveland State University.
Does University of Akron Main Campus or Cleveland State University have a better graduation rate?
Both graduate about 50% of their students.
Do graduates of University of Akron Main Campus or Cleveland State University earn more?
Cleveland State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $52,131 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,600 for University of Akron Main Campus. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Akron Main Campus and Cleveland State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Akron Main Campus is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Cleveland State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Akron Main Campus and Cleveland State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1190 at University of Akron Main Campus and 880–1130 at Cleveland State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school