Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 48.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.9%
- Retention Rate
- 69.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $52,131
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,797
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $231/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $77,966 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $75,204 | |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $73,446 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,849 | $25,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $65,610 | $30,750 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Master | $65,332 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $64,406 | $51,250 |
| Education, Other. | Certificate | $63,997 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $63,666 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $61,888 | $39,900 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $60,061 | $25,550 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $59,901 | $31,125 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $58,673 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,920 | $23,000 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $24,228 |
Outcomes Overview
Cleveland State graduates enter the workforce with $21,797 in median debt, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 41% against their $52,131 median earnings. Monthly loan payments of $231 consume about 5% of typical graduate income. The university's strong cooperative education programs and downtown Cleveland location connect students directly with local employers in healthcare, business, and government sectors. An impressive 95.1% employment rate reflects the school's practical focus on career preparation. Many graduates stay in Ohio's affordable job market, where their earning power stretches further. The combination of moderate debt levels, solid employment outcomes, and reasonable living costs delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking accessible higher education.