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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

Case Western Reserve: A hub of groundbreaking research, innovation, and historical firsts.

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) stands as a beacon of innovation and discovery in Cleveland, Ohio, renowned for its status as a private research university with "very high research activity" (R1). Forged in 1967 through the federation of Western Reserve University and the Case Institute of Technology, CWRU offers an expansive academic landscape, boasting over 100 undergraduate programs and approximately 160 graduate and professional options across vital fields like STEM, medicine, arts, and the humanities.

The university's rich history begins with Western Reserve College, founded in 1826 by the Presbyterian Church. Initially located in Hudson, Ohio, this institution was dubbed the "Yale of the West" for its rigorous curriculum and high standards, distinguishing itself with a strong connection to the pre-Civil War abolitionist movement. 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 further broke barriers in 1852 by graduating Nancy Talbot Clark, one of the first female physicians in the United States, followed by five more pioneering women in quick succession.

Today, Case Western Reserve University continues its legacy of groundbreaking contributions. Classified among the nation's top research institutions, CWRU reported an impressive $553.7 million in research and development expenditures in 2023, ranking 18th among private institutions. This environment fosters a culture of innovation that has attracted and cultivated brilliance, with seventeen Nobel laureates associated with the university's alumni, scientists, and scholars. Students from all 50 states and 106 countries converge here, contributing to a diverse and dynamic community ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. The CWRU Spartans also compete in NCAA Division III, adding to a well-rounded student experience.

Key Highlights

  • Classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," reflecting its top-tier research output.
  • Achieved $553.7 million in research and development (R&D) expenditures in 2023, ranking 18th among private institutions nationally.
  • Seventeen Nobel laureates are associated with the university, highlighting its impact on scientific discovery.
  • Offers an extensive academic portfolio with over 100 undergraduate programs and approximately 160 graduate and professional options.
  • Pioneered diversity as the first college west of the Appalachian Mountains to enroll (1832) and graduate (1836) an African-American student.
  • Its Medical School was among the very first to graduate women physicians, including Nancy Talbot Clark in 1852 and five more in subsequent years.
  • A vibrant and global community with 12,475 students (6,528 undergraduate) representing all 50 U.S. states and 106 countries (Fall 2024).

Timeline

1826
Western Reserve College founded in Hudson, Ohio, by the Presbyterian Church.
1832
Western Reserve College enrolls its first African-American student.
1836
Western Reserve College graduates its first African-American student, John Sykes Fayette.
1838
Loomis Observatory built, becoming the second oldest observatory in the U.S. and the oldest still in its original location.
1852
Western Reserve College's Medical School graduates its first woman, Nancy Talbot Clark.
1880
Case Institute of Technology founded.
1882
Western Reserve College moves to Cleveland, becoming Adelbert College of Western Reserve University.
1967
Western Reserve University and Case Institute of Technology federate to form Case Western Reserve University.
🏛️
200 Years
of Excellence

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