Cleveland State University first-day fall enrollment reached an 18-year high with 17,204 students, while setting new academic standards for first-year students. The enrollment result represents a 13 percent increase in new undergraduates and a 19 percent increase in new graduate students.

First-year students entered CSU this year as the most academically competitive class in the University's history. This fall marked the first time that the average ACT score exceeded the national average of 21 and the mean high school grade point reached 3.12. A record 45 percent of the incoming freshmen class received a competitive institutional scholarship while 55 percent received a federal Pell need-based grant. A continuing emphasis on providing access to higher education for a diverse student population is underscored by a 12.8% increase in minority student enrollment this fall versus fall 2009.

"I am very pleased that we are attracting a greater number of competitively prepared students as our standards continue to rise," said CSU President Ronald Berkman. "It is indicative and reflective of the level of education our faculty has been providing for years. I am also pleased that we are continuing our mission as an urban university to provide so many of our students with need-based grants."

President Berkman has made it a priority to attract more funding to be used for scholarships and extend access to deserving students in need. Last year, more than $6 million was raised specifically for scholarships, primarily from Smart Solutions founder Bill Julka, who asked that the money be targeted toward Cleveland area students.

Berkman noted that the record fall 2010 enrollment results speak to a larger goal of elevating CSU to a best-in-class status for American urban universities

About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for engaged learning. With an enrollment of more than 17,000 students, 8 colleges and approximately 200 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2011 as one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.

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