Cleveland State University has risen to second place among Ohio’s public universities in the 2024 Washington Monthly rankings, trailing behind The Ohio State University, announced CSU in a July 2025 press release.
Washington Monthly evaluates universities based on contributions to the public good, including social mobility, research and service. Unlike traditional rankings, which focus on prestige and wealth, Washington Monthly highlights institutions that help students succeed, produce meaningful research and give back to their communities.
“Washington Monthly uses metrics that really show the purpose and impact of higher education,” said Richard Schoephoerster, dean of the Washkewicz College of Engineering. “It looks at social mobility, research that helps the community, and service.”
Specifically, CSU ranked second in social mobility, third in service and sixth in research among Ohio public universities. These results, added the press release, reflect goals of the university’s latest strategic plan, Cleveland State United, which focuses on improving student outcomes and community engagement.
According to the University, the plan sets priorities through 2030 focused on improving student outcomes, strengthening community parterships and developing a sustainable financial model. CSU said the plan was shaped with input from students, faculty, alumni and community partners, and its vision, “Where Everyone Thrives,” aspires for the school to be a national leader in social and economic mobility.
“We should be proud of this ranking,” Schoephoerster said. “As we continue to improve our social mobility, research and service, our ranking should only go higher.”
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