Case Western Reserve University
(Case Western)
Case Western Reserve University is a private research university in Cleveland, Ohio, with particular strength in biomedical engineering, pre-med, and the health sciences. Its partnership with the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals provides students with exceptional clinical and research opportunities in one of the nation's top medical corridors.
Mascot: Spartan
Notable Alumni
Anthony Russo (director, Avengers: Endgame)•Joe Russo (director, Avengers: Endgame)•Paul Buchheit (inventor of Gmail)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Case Western is an academically intense STEM powerhouse where board-game nights and research lab bonding are more common social activities than parties. About 25% of students go Greek, which is surprisingly high for the vibe, but the Greek scene is more social-outlet-for-nerds than rager culture. Cleveland's University Circle location gives you the art museum and Little Italy within walking distance, which helps offset the 'study bunker' atmosphere.
A 267-acre campus in University Circle with a mix of historic and boldly modern buildings, including the striking Gehry-designed Weatherhead School. Adjacent to world-class cultural institutions, but the architectural styles don't always cohere into a unified aesthetic.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Campus is patrolled 24/7 by CWRU police and security. Motor vehicle theft is the most common offense. The crime rate is about 7.4 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
University Circle is the safest area in Cleveland with dedicated police from multiple institutions, but the surrounding Cleveland neighborhoods have significantly higher crime rates.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Weekdays during the academic year; Campus Preview Days on select dates
Duration: ~75 minutes (30-min overview + student-led walking tour)
Includes a 30-minute overview by admission staff followed by a walking tour. Campus Preview Days feature extended programming with admission/financial aid presentations. Register in advance.
Book a TourA virtual tour is available online with up-close views of Sears think[box], Tinkham Veale University Center, the library, and first-year residence halls.
Tour ResourcesSeptember through October for mild weather and campus energy, or April through May when campus greens up. Weekday mid-morning through mid-afternoon lets you observe classes and student traffic. Avoid late December through January (winter break) and be prepared for Cleveland weather — bring layers October through April.
Contact Parking Services at 216-368-6192 for visitor parking assignments. The Red Line RTA rapid transit connects Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) directly to Cedar/University Circle station near campus (~35 min, $2.50). Taxi/rideshare from CLE runs $40-55 (~20 min). Free University Circle shuttles circulate around campus. Hotels: Courtyard Marriott University Circle and Glidden House are closest.
Location
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