Cleveland State University

Established as a state-assisted university in 1964, Cleveland State University assumed a tradition of excellence when it adopted the buildings, faculty, staff, and curriculum of the former Fenn College, a private institution of 2,500 students that was founded in 1929.

Cleveland State University’s historical roots go back to the 19th century. During the 1880s, the Cleveland YMCA began to offer day and evening courses to students who did not otherwise have access to higher education. The YMCA program was reorganized in 1906 as the Association Institute, and this in turn was established as Fenn College in 1929. A significant contribution of Fenn College was its pioneering work in developing internships for students in engineering and business. These internships, as joint ventures between the college and local businesses and industries, provided students with professional contacts and experience as well as an affordable education. Historic Fenn Tower, now student housing, still stands as a reminder of the early years, when Fenn College was known as the "Campus in the Clouds."

The Cleveland-Marshall College of Law traces its origins to 1897 when the Cleveland Law School was founded. It was the first evening law school in the state and one of the first to admit women and minorities. Another evening law school, John Marshall School of Law, was founded in 1916. In 1946, the two schools merged to become the Cleveland-Marshall School of Law. Cleveland-Marshall became part of Cleveland State University in 1969.

We are one of America’s Best Colleges (according to U.S. News & World Report). We are over 175 academic programs in 10 colleges. We are an ever-expanding campus that makes up the largest footprint in Cleveland. We are more than 3,000 internships and co-ops each year. We cheer on the Vikings in 18 NCAA Division I sports. We are more than 200 organizations on a dynamic campus. We are part of vibrant downtown Cleveland, where something exciting is always happening. We have one of the lowest tuition rates in Ohio and a value that exceeds expectations.

At a glance:

• Established: 1964 by action of the Ohio General Assembly

• President: Laura Bloomberg, Ph.D.

• First classes held: Fall 1965

• Enrollment: Approximately 16,000+

• Graduates: More than 140,000 — 80 percent live in the area

• Full-time Employees: 511 faculty; 1,007 staff

• Yearly Fees, Ohio Resident: Undergraduate $12,144; Graduate $14,169; Law $29,452

• Location: In the heart of downtown Cleveland, Euclid Avenue between East 17 Street and East 30 Street; Carnegie Avenue to Payne Avenue.

• Campus: More than 85 acres, 40-plus buildings (largest footprint in downtown Cleveland)

• Partnerships/Collaborations: More than 250, including the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, City of Cleveland, NASA Glenn Research Center, business/industry, federal government, other higher education institutions and more.

• Academic Organization: Eight colleges, including Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Public Affairs, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health, Honors and Law. The Division of Continuing Education offers noncredit courses to thousands of students each year. Project 60 offers free classes to senior citizens.

• Academic Programs: More than 1,000 courses support 200 major fields of study at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as professional certificate and continuing education programs. The University also offers an Honors Program to academically talented and highly motivated students.

• Athletics: NCAA Division I. Men’s basketball, fencing, golf, soccer, swimming, wrestling, tennis and lacrosse. Women’s basketball, cross-country, fencing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball and golf. Colors: Forest green and white. Nickname: Vikings. Affiliations: Horizon League and Eastern Wrestling League.

• Student Activities: Student Government Association, Student Bar Association, Campus Activities Board, student-run radio station (WCSB-FM), three student newspapers (The Cleveland Stater, The Cauldron and The Vindicator), Whiskey Island literary magazine, The Gavel law school publication, four fraternities, four sororities and approximately 200 student honorary, professional, cultural and social organizations.

• Student Profile: 55 percent women, 45 percent men. Approximately 27 percent minorities, of which two-thirds are African American. More than 1,400 international students. Average age 27. About one-third are in graduate school or law school.

We are home to engaged learning, where students and ideas connect in the classroom, in the real world and beyond.

Admission requirements vary from country to country. Kindly contact our admissions counsellor for more information!