students sitting on a fountain talking
You belong at CWRU.

Students From Small Towns And Rural Areas Come Here And Do Big Things.

 

Many of Case Western Reserve University’s 6,000+ undergraduates were hard-working, high-achieving high school students from small towns and rural communities. Their contributions play a significant role in cwru’s status as one of the nation’s premier research universities. So we know you have the ability, skills and perspectives that will make Case Western Reserve a more vibrant academic community for everyone.

 

 

 

stars logo
an image of graduation

 

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.

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

You have BIG Aspirations

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.


Learn more. 

You have BIG Ideas

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. 

 

Make your ideas come to life...

Students working on their projects in think[box]

 

In our state-of-the-future campus facilities—like Sears think[box] (pictured here), the nation’s largest university-based open-access makerspace and innovation center—faculty and mentors work side-by-side with students on funded, global-reaching research and help students access start-up funding and free business and legal consulting.

 

 

View of the Cleveland Museum of Art and the lagoon

 

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. Your success team will assist you in being well prepared to secure these opportunities.

 

Outside view of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

 

Cleveland is the right size to be manageable and full of resources, like international corporate headquarters, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (pictured here) and NASA’s Glenn Research Center. Your CWRU community of mentors and advisors help you utilize these resources to build a standout resume.

 

Be part of a world-class research university BIG on community. Learn more.

Financial aid and scholarships 

ALL applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships

87% of our undergraduates receive need- and/or merit-based aid

100% of demonstrated financial need is met

Investing in CWRU

Estimate the need-based aid you qualify for.

Net Price Calculator and MyinTuition

Partnerships

Khan Academy and Schoolhouse

STARS has teamed up with Khan Academy and the non-profit 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.

Learn more about STARS Resources.