At $6,183/yr net price, Cleveland State Community College graduates earn $36,671/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,671/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,183 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,732 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,671/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,671/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,954 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,338/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,340/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,867/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,787/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,168/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,522 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $38,649 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $34,526 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $31,133 | $8,750 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $23,456 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $23,233 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,417 | $8,125 |
The Risk Factor
29.0% of students at Cleveland State Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Cleveland State Community College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year institution, with graduates earning $36,671 annually against just $7,954 in median debt. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates who earn $48,522 yearly and justify the investment even with higher program costs.
Criminal justice graduates earn $38,649, making it another strong choice in Cleveland's regional job market. Industrial production technology also pays well at $34,526, reflecting demand from local manufacturing. However, business administration shows weaker returns at $31,133 with higher debt loads of $8,750, making the cost-benefit calculation tighter.
The 29% graduation rate presents a significant risk. You face real chances of leaving with debt but no credential. Allied health programs show concerning earnings of just $23,456, barely justifying even the low costs.
You'll find this school works best if you target high-earning programs like nursing or criminal justice and can commit to completing your degree. The low net price of $6,183 makes it accessible, but only 29% of students receive financial aid, so expect to pay most costs out of pocket.
Skip Cleveland State if you're considering business administration or allied health programs where earnings don't justify the investment. The school also isn't ideal if you struggle with completion since the graduation rate suggests many students don't finish. Focus on the nursing program if you can handle the academic demands, or look at four-year options if you need stronger completion support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland State Community College worth the money?
Cleveland State Community College offers decent value at $6,183 per year, but the 29% graduation rate is concerning. Nursing programs show strong ROI with graduates earning $48,522, while other programs often don't justify even the low cost.
What programs at Cleveland State Community College have the best job prospects?
Registered Nursing graduates from Cleveland State Community College earn around $48,522 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI. Criminal Justice graduates earn $38,649, but most other programs lead to below-average wages that may not cover opportunity costs.
How much debt do Cleveland State Community College students graduate with?
Cleveland State Community College graduates carry a median debt of $7,954, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with average earnings of just $36,671 ten years after enrollment, even this modest debt can be challenging to repay.
What is the graduation rate at Cleveland State Community College?
Only 29% of students graduate from Cleveland State Community College, meaning most students leave without credentials. This low completion rate significantly undermines the school's value proposition, even at its affordable price point.