Cleveland State created its first university-wide Honors Program in 2004.  In 2014, a generous endowment from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation reconstituted the program as Cleveland State’s ninth college.  Since that time we have been partners with the Mandel Foundation in fulfilling its goal of investing in “people with the values, ability and passion to change the world.”

Application Deadlines for Fall 2025

November 15

January 15

March 15 --- Upper Division Honors 

February 15 --- Mandel Continuing Scholars Program 

Mission 

The mission of the Jack, Joseph & Morton Mandel Honors College is to provide academically challenging curriculum and leadership training for intellectually curious, high-achieving, and high-potential students, who we encourage to be engaged citizens of the College and the larger Cleveland State community.

We serve a diverse group of student and we seek graduates from a variety of secondary schools including: graduates of large public high schools, small denominational schools, elite private schools and small schools in rural areas. Transfer students from two- and four- year colleges are welcomed.

The Mandel Honors College houses two distinct programs, the University Honors Program and the Mandel Continuing Scholars Program. 

Why Honors? 

• The advantages of a small college—close interaction with faculty, small class sizes, a tight-knit community of supportive students—coupled with all the benefits of a large, urban research university

• Opportunities for advanced coursework in your major and/or undergraduate research 

• A staff that is dedicated to your success, providing consistent and attentive advising and responsive programming

• Exclusive spaces only available to Mandel Honors College students that include a lounge and a computer lab

• Unique partnerships that include research opportunities with the Lerner Research Institute at the Cleveland Clinic

• Automatic admission to some of CSU’s graduate programs, including CSU|Law and graduate programs in the Levin College of Urban Affairs and Education, upon graduation