Students at Cleveland State University benefit from earnings beyond expectations that place them ahead of peers at similar institutions, with graduates earning nearly $6,000 more annually than typical outcomes would predict.
The university's "Mobility Engine" designation reflects its exceptional ability to help first-generation and low-income students achieve meaningful economic advancement through accessible, career-focused education.
Cleveland State University ranks as a solid public option in Ohio, delivering strong value through its combination of accessible admissions, reasonable costs, and meaningful economic outcomes for graduates. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants and about 38% are first-generation college students, yet the university consistently helps these students achieve upward mobility. CSU graduates earn a median of $52,131 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong outcomes in nursing, engineering, and other professional fields.
What sets Cleveland State apart is its designation as a "Mobility Engine" — institutions that combine broad access with strong outcomes for low-income students. The university delivers earnings beyond expectations of nearly $5,870 compared with similar institutions, meaning graduates typically earn more than peers at comparable universities. This performance reflects CSU's focus on career-oriented programs and its deep connections to Cleveland's healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services sectors.
As a medium-sized public research university in downtown Cleveland, CSU offers the resources of a comprehensive institution with the personal attention and practical focus that helps working-class students succeed. The combination of affordable net prices, manageable debt levels, and strong post-graduation earnings makes it a particularly smart choice for Ohio families seeking reliable return on their higher education investment.
Cleveland State University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a career-focused institution serving Ohio's economy. Adult Health Nursing leads both in scale and financial returns, graduating 219 students annually with strong median earnings of $55,942, making it the university's economic engine. Psychology represents the largest single program with 221 graduates, though at more modest early-career earnings of $28,236, it often serves as preparation for graduate school or specialized career paths.
Engineering programs deliver the highest individual returns, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $65,849 despite the smaller cohort of 34 students. This pattern reflects CSU's strength in technical and professional fields that connect directly to Cleveland's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Even programs like Biology, which show lower initial earnings at $25,194 for 88 graduates, often provide foundation for medical school, graduate study, or specialized scientific careers that improve substantially over time.
The university's downtown Cleveland location provides crucial advantages for career placement and professional networking. Nursing graduates benefit from proximity to Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, while engineering students connect with the region's manufacturing and technology companies. This geographic advantage helps explain why CSU graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations — the university's programs align closely with regional employer needs and provide direct pathways into stable, growing careers.
Cleveland State University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that often exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $52,131, with the university delivering earnings beyond expectations of nearly $5,870 compared with similar institutions nationwide. This means CSU graduates typically earn about $6,000 more annually than peers at comparable universities, reflecting the institution's strength in preparing students for stable, well-paying careers in Ohio's economy.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its professional programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the highest aggregate return program and one of the largest, graduating 219 students annually with median earnings of $55,942. Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $65,849 for its 34 graduates, while Psychology represents the largest program with 221 graduates earning $28,236. Even programs like Biology, which show more modest early earnings at $25,194, often serve as stepping stones to graduate school or specialized career paths that improve over time.
CSU's career-focused approach helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations. The university's location in downtown Cleveland provides strong connections to regional employers in healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, and business services, creating pathways for students to move directly into stable careers with growth potential.
Cleveland State University offers strong affordability across income levels, making higher education accessible for Ohio families. Low-income students pay an average net price of $13,058 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $16,697 per year. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $22,320, creating predictable pricing that helps families plan for the full cost of a degree without major financial surprises.
Debt levels remain manageable for most CSU graduates. Typical students leave with about $21,797 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $16,818. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation. With median earnings of $52,131 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment without significant financial strain.
What makes CSU particularly sustainable is how well debt levels align with post-graduation earning power. The combination of moderate borrowing and solid career outcomes means most graduates can comfortably service their loans while building financial stability. This balance between upfront affordability and long-term earning potential makes CSU an especially smart choice for families who need to borrow but want confidence that the investment will pay off.
Cleveland State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
