Overview: Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University (CSU), established in 1964, is a comprehensive public research university located in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. The institution traces its lineage to the earlier Fenn College, adopting university status and expanding rapidly since. Positioned in the heart of downtown Cleveland, CSU serves as a vital educational and research hub in the region. With a diverse enrollment of more than 16,000 students and over 1,000 faculty across eight colleges, CSU provides both breadth and depth in higher education. The university’s urban campus fosters strong community connections, supporting its reputation as a gateway for regional and international engagement.
CSU is recognized for academic strengths in engineering, health professions, business, urban affairs, and law. Its Washkewicz College of Engineering and Monte Ahuja College of Business are nationally acclaimed, with the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs consistently ranked among the top in the U.S. The university employs an interdisciplinary and experiential education model, integrating co-ops, internships, and community partnerships into the curriculum. CSU is classified as an R2 "High research activity" institution, with over $40 million in annual research expenditures and extensive collaborations with entities such as the Cleveland Clinic, NASA Glenn Research Center, and other global partners. Several programs, including the joint J.D./M.B.A. degrees and leadership in inclusive urban education, distinguish CSU in the academic landscape.
Student life at CSU is vibrant and dynamic, comprising more than 200 student organizations, professional societies, and honor societies. The campus features a broad array of cultural events, speaker series, and performance arts hosted at venues like the Bert L. & Iris S. Wolstein Center. The university emphasizes inclusive excellence, with students from over 80 countries and robust support frameworks—including international student services, leadership development, and peer mentoring. On-campus housing, NCAA Division I athletics, and access to recreation centers and the Arts Campus in Playhouse Square enrich student experiences, while civic engagement remains a core tenet of campus life.
Cleveland State University's mission is to empower individuals through accessible, transformative education, fostering innovation, equity, and lifelong impact. Committed to urban sustainability and global citizenship, CSU cultivates leaders prepared to shape communities and address pressing societal challenges.
