College Costs in Cleveland, OH 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 20 colleges in Cleveland, Ohio. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,270
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$49,395
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,156
per month
Colleges & Universities
20
institutions
Cleveland Overview
Population
372,624
Student Population
20,222 (5.4%)
Cost of Living Index
96 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
44/100
Unemployment Rate
6%
College Cost Calculator for Cleveland
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,656
Total After Financial Aid
$86,656
Annual Cost
$21,664
Annual After Aid
$21,664
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,656 |
| Monthly Payment | $984 |
| Total Interest | $31,419 |
| Total Loan Cost | $118,075 |
Universities in Cleveland
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University | Private | $56,480 |
| Cleveland State University | Public | $11,270 |
| John Carroll University | Private | $42,310 |
| Cuyahoga Community College | Community | $4,344 |
Cleveland has 20 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cleveland vs. National Average
| Category | Cleveland | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,270 | $10,940 | +$330 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,156 | $1,050 | +$106 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 100 | -4 |
Cleveland's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Cleveland
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
20,222 students
Cleveland has a total population of 372,624, with approximately 20,222 college students (5.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Cleveland offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cleveland
$46,676
Starting Salary
6%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cleveland earn a median starting salary of $46,676, which is $11,676 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,656 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,310 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Ohio
Columbus
31 colleges · Avg tuition $11,936
Cincinnati
28 colleges · Avg tuition $12,226
Toledo
16 colleges · Avg tuition $10,630
Akron
5 colleges · Avg tuition $11,330
Dayton
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,740
Canton
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,715
Youngstown
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,350
Bowling Green
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,667
Athens
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,352
Oxford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,389
Parma
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,000
Lorain
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,000
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Cleveland
How we compile Cleveland college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Cleveland institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Cleveland's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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