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Case Western Reserve University vs Cleveland State University

Side-by-side comparison of admissions, costs, and outcomes

Cross-Admit Decision Data

Of 12 applicants admitted to both schools:

83%
17%
Median scholarship: $105,000 Median scholarship: $51,000

Based on 12 self-reported cross-admit decisions from the last 5 cycles

View all-time data (36 cross-admits)
72% chose Case Western 28% chose CSU

36 total cross-admit decisions (all cycles)

Case Western is Top 75 · CSU is Top 150 in the LSD rankings

See full LSD.Law school rankings →
About this comparison

This page compares Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.

In the U.S. News rankings, Case Western Reserve University is ranked #107 compared to #121 — a gap of 14 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: Case Western Reserve University has a median LSAT of 162 compared to 155, a gap of 7 points. This suggests applicants to Case Western Reserve University face a more competitive admissions pool.

Both schools are located in Ohio — Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and Cleveland State University in Cleveland — meaning graduates often compete in the same regional legal market.

On cost, Cleveland State University has lower tuition at $29,766 per year compared to $64,600. Combined with employment rates of 89.0% (Case Western) and 92.8% (CSU), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.

Among cross-admitted applicants, Case Western Reserve University offered a median scholarship of $105,000 compared to $51,000, a difference of $54,000 that may factor into enrollment decisions.

Compare Another Pair

Case Western Reserve University
vs
Cleveland State University

Admissions Comparison

2025 ABA 509

How these schools compare on LSAT, GPA, selectivity, and class composition.

Metric Case Western CSU
USN Rank #107 #121
LSD Rank Top 75 (0.007) Top 150 (0.003)
LSAT 25th 156 152
LSAT Median 162 155
LSAT 75th 164 158
GPA Median 3.76 3.50
Acceptance Rate 34.8% 34.5%
Class Size 180 195
Yield Rate 22.6% 32.7%

Financial Comparison

2025 ABA 509

Tuition, scholarships, and debt burden at each school.

Metric Case Western CSU
Tuition (In-State) $64,600 $29,766
Tuition (Out-of-State) $64,600 $29,866
Median Grant $42,500 $11,000
% Receiving Grants 98.0% 98.0%
Avg. Debt at Graduation - -

Employment Outcomes

2024 ABA 509

Post-graduation employment placement, salaries, and bar passage.

Metric Case Western CSU
BigLaw (501+) 12.9% 7.2%
Judicial Clerkships 3.2% 1.8%
Median Salary (Private) $100,000 $100,000
Employment Rate 89.0% 92.8%
Bar Pass Rate 81.9% 75.5%

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