Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Cleveland State University vary significantly by field of study, ranging from specialized health and engineering programs with strong earning potential to education and social service fields with more modest but meaningful career preparation. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 47 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights identify programs that demonstrate exceptional value, strong national rankings, or notable enrollment levels at Cleveland State.
#6 nationally
$42K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national rank, cohort size, and value scores.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Cleveland State University.
Engineering programs lead Cleveland State's earnings outcomes, with Chemical Engineering producing $77,355 median earnings and Mechanical Engineering graduates earning $71,895. Computer Science delivers competitive outcomes at $68,280 despite moderate national rankings.
These technical fields offer the strongest earning potential for students willing to pursue rigorous quantitative coursework.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #135 | $86,729★ | — |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation outcomes rather than academic reputation or input measures. Earnings data comes from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 10 years after enrollment, ensuring meaningful career establishment. Cohort sizes indicate program enrollment levels and data reliability—larger cohorts provide greater confidence in reported outcomes. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion rates to identify programs delivering strong return on investment. Rankings compare outcomes within specific degree programs across all institutions nationally, not broader field comparisons. Students should consider personal interests, career goals, and academic strengths alongside outcome metrics when selecting programs. These data represent institutional averages and individual outcomes vary based on career choices, geographic location, and personal factors.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| 34 |
| Chemical Engineering, Other. | #121 | $77,355 | — | 50 |
| Computer Engineering, General. | #119 | $77,292 | — | 25 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #207 | $71,895 | — | 118 |
| Computer Science. | #161 | $68,280 | — | 48 |
| Audio Engineering Technology/Technician. | #22 | $66,044 | — | 25 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #167 | $65,927 | — | 38 |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician.Small sample | #31 | $58,673 | — | 16 |
| Information Science/Studies. | #46 | $57,661 | — | 44 |
Business programs show considerable variation, from high-earning Actuarial Science ($63,587) to Digital Marketing ($49,154) and general Business Administration ($52,512). Accounting Technology and Banking Services provide solid middle-income pathways around $60,000.
This group suits students seeking diverse career options in corporate, financial, and entrepreneurial settings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuarial Science. | #69 | $63,587★ | — | 45 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #190 | $60,435 | — | 82 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #144 | $58,100 | — | 81 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #285 | $52,512 | — | 75 |
| Digital Marketing. | #130 | $49,154 | $9,000 | 78 |
| Executive/Career Coaching. | #63 | $39,192 | — | 55 |
Health programs at Cleveland State deliver strong earnings outcomes with Adult Health Nursing ($61,976) serving as the university's second-largest program by enrollment. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs rank #5 nationally with exceptional value scores, while Blood Bank Technology provides specialized training with solid career prospects.
These programs suit students seeking stable healthcare careers with meaningful patient impact.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other. | #6 | $95,240★ | — | 26 |
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #230 | $61,976 | $19,107 | 219 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other. | #5 | $53,829 | — | 52 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #127 | $41,786 | — | 20 |
| Blood Bank Technology Specialist. | #50 | $35,443 | $18,730 | 169 |
Biology represents Cleveland State's primary science offering with graduates earning $40,846, positioning it as preparation for graduate study or health professions rather than immediate high earnings. The program serves students planning medical, research, or education careers requiring strong scientific foundation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | #99 | $55,195★ | — | 19 |
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #212 | $49,718 | — | 27 |
| Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians.Small sample | — | $41,193 | — | 6 |
| Biology, General. | #297 | $40,846 | — | 88 |
Social science programs balance career preparation with public service, led by Criminology ($44,047) ranking #28 nationally and Psychology ($36,874) serving the university's largest program enrollment. These fields attract students seeking careers in criminal justice, social services, and human behavior analysis.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #142 | $59,894★ | — | 32 |
| Public Administration, Other.Small sample | #26 | $47,479 | — | 14 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #226 | $47,418 | — | 44 |
| Criminology. | #29 | $44,047 | $11,750 | 76 |
| Urban Studies/Affairs. | #13 | $42,894 | — | 51 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #166 | $37,881 | — | 76 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #250 | $37,292 | — | 29 |
| Psychology, General. | #282 | $36,874 | $12,375 | 221 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | #124 | $35,573 | — | 14 |
| International Relations and Affairs.Small sample | #74 | $31,848 | — | 16 |
Communications programs range from high-value Advertising (#1 in Ohio, $43,214 earnings) to general Communication Studies with more modest outcomes. Digital Marketing provides modern career preparation with solid earnings potential.
These programs serve students pursuing creative, marketing, and media careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising. | #48 | $43,214★ | $12,000 | 119 |
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #253 | $36,976 | — | 75 |
Commercial Photography. leads humanities & arts with 41K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography.Small sample | #115 | $40,590★ | — | 12 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | #49 | $36,009 | — | 37 |
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | — | $33,993 | — | 7 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #261 | $33,530 | — | 42 |
| Brass Instruments.Small sample | #120 | $32,887 | — | 19 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | #214 | $32,792 | — | 14 |
| American History (United States). | #290 | $29,535 | — | 34 |
| Acting.Small sample | #175 | $14,339 | — | 16 |
Adult and Continuing Education produces graduates earning $39,354 with strong value performance, reflecting the program's focus on serving working professionals and non-traditional learners. This field suits students committed to educational service and community impact.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administration of Special Education.Small sample | #3 | $42,364★ | — | 17 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #164 | $39,354 | — | 83 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 46K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | #90 | $46,411 | — | 32 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
