Case Western Reserve University is a founding member of the Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network. At CWRU, you can expect dedicated resources to facilitate a smooth pathway in achieving your academic and career goals.
Small Town and Rural Students
Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network
STARS College Network Members
- Amherst College
- Auburn University
- Brown University*
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)*
- Case Western Reserve University*
- Colby College*
- Columbia University, NY*
- Dartmouth
- Duke University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)*
- Northwestern University*
- Southern Methodist University
- Spelman College
- Stanford University
- The Ohio State University*
- The University of Chicago*
- The University of Texas at Austin.
- University of Alabama
- University of Arizona
- University of Arkansas
- University of California Berkeley
- University of Denver
- University of Iowa*
- University of Maryland*
- University of Notre Dame
- University of South Carolina
- University of Southern California (USC)*
- University of Wisconsin, Madison*
- Vanderbilt University*
- Washington University in St. Louis*
- Yale University*
*Founding member
Academic Support
The transition from your small community to the CWRU community should be comfortable, where you enter a campus atmosphere that feels like your home-away-from-home.
Well before your first day on campus and extending beyond graduation, you'll have support from your success team of advisors and mentors to formulate academic and professional goals, build community and tap into career-making experiences.
Access to Exceptional Resources
That's why we provide you the resources to support your knowledge and creativity—and gain momentum right away. At CWRU, you can expect personal attention from faculty, mentors and staff. They will guide you in developing strong networks to connect with research opportunities, co-ops, internships and creative endeavors.
Innovate With Us
In our state-of-the-future campus facilities—like Sears think[box], the nation's largest university-based open-access makerspace and innovation center—faculty and mentors work side-by-side with you on projects and help you access startup funding and free business and legal consulting.
![Students laugh as they work on a robotics model together in Sears think[box].](/admission/sites/default/files/styles/subfeature_705x528_/public/2026-06/04202026_CSE_Undergraduate-Admissions---ThinkBox---ENG130---WHEGS_49106_By-Nancy-Andrews.jpg?h=8f739f70&itok=q5QXjmzz)
World-Class Institutions
The 50+ world-class arts, cultural and educational institutions and top-ranked medical centers in our University Circle neighborhood look to CWRU students to fill internships, research teams and creative collaborations.
A Connected Community
Cleveland is the right size to be manageable and full of resources, such as international corporate headquarters, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and NASA's Glenn Research Center. Your CWRU community of mentors and advisors help you use these resources to build a standout resume.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
All applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships. More than 80% of our undergraduates receive need- and/or merit-based aid, and 100% of demonstrated financial need is met.
Partnerships
Khan Academy and Schoolhouse
STARS has teamed up with Khan Academy and the nonprofit tutoring platform Schoolhouse to offer a free, online math curriculum and peer tutoring for students in small towns and rural communities, leading to certification of mastery in calculus—an important credential for admission to more selective colleges and universities that is not available from all high schools.
rootEd Alliance
College and career advisors in the rootEd Alliance work with national organizations and local high schools to improve postsecondary and career outcomes for students in rural communities. Advisors and school counselors work in partnership to ensure every senior has a plan for life after high school.
The Rural Debate Initiative
Through a partnership with The Rural Debate Initiative, students in grades 7-12 in rural areas can access free debate education. This comprehensive enrichment experience helps students to improve communication skills, critical thinking, leadership and teamwork.