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Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Historical: Christo et Ecclesiae (1827–1885) Lux (1885–1932)("For Christ and the Church" (1827–1885) "Light" (1885–1932))

1826
Founded
Private research university
Type
6,108
Total Students
$65K
Tuition (In-State)
$65K
Tuition (Out-State)
$39K
Avg Net Price
29%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Graduation Rate
6-year
92%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Case Western Reserve University

A research powerhouse born from a historic merger, pioneering discovery and inclusion since 1826.

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), nestled in Cleveland, Ohio, is a distinguished private research institution with a rich legacy. Established through the federation of Western Reserve University (founded 1826) and the Case Institute of Technology (founded 1880) in 1967, CWRU stands at the forefront of innovation. It is renowned for its very high research activity, classified as an "R1: Doctoral University," and boasts an impressive array of academic programs spanning STEM, medicine, arts, and the humanities, attracting a diverse student body eager to make an impact.

The university's roots are deeply entwined with significant historical movements. Western Reserve College, initially founded by the Presbyterian Church in Hudson, Ohio, was known as the "Yale of the West." It played a crucial role in the pre-Civil War abolitionist movement, with strong ties to figures like John Brown. Notably, it was the first college west of the Appalachian Mountains to enroll (1832) and graduate (1836) an African-American student, John Sykes Fayette. Its Medical School also broke barriers, graduating six of the first eight female physicians in the United States, including Nancy Talbot Clark, Emily Blackwell, and Marie Zakrzewska, showcasing a long-standing commitment to inclusivity.

Today, CWRU continues its tradition of groundbreaking contributions. With $553.7 million in research and development expenditures in 2023, ranking 18th among private institutions, the university fosters an environment where significant discoveries thrive. Seventeen Nobel laureates are associated with CWRU, reflecting its academic excellence and impact. Students benefit from a vibrant community of over 12,000 individuals from all 50 states and 106 countries, engaging in over 100 undergraduate and 160 graduate programs, while also participating in NCAA Division III athletics as the Case Western Reserve Spartans.

Key Highlights

  • Designated an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
  • Reported $553.7 million in research and development expenditures in 2023, ranking 18th among private institutions nationally.
  • Seventeen Nobel laureates are associated with the university.
  • The first college west of the Appalachian Mountains to enroll (1832) and graduate (1836) an African-American student.
  • Its Medical School graduated six of the first eight female physicians in the United States, starting in 1852.
  • Home to 12,475 students from all 50 U.S. states and 106 countries (Fall 2024).
  • A founding member of the prestigious University Athletic Association (UAA) in NCAA Division III.

Timeline

1826
Western Reserve College founded in Hudson, Ohio, by the Presbyterian Church.
1832
Western Reserve College enrolled its first African-American student, John Sykes Fayette.
1838
Loomis Observatory built; remains the second oldest observatory in the U.S. and oldest still in its original location.
1852
The Medical School graduated its first woman, Nancy Talbot Clark, making it the second medical school in the U.S. to do so.
1880
Case Institute of Technology founded.
1882
Western Reserve College moved to Cleveland and renamed Adelbert College of Western Reserve University.
1967
Case Western Reserve University federated by a merger between Western Reserve University and the Case Institute of Technology.
🏛️
200 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Case Western Reserve University

🏥

Medical School

A pioneering institution that graduated six of the first eight female physicians in the United States, beginning in 1852.

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