Anthropology at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State's anthropology program shows exceptionally weak first-year outcomes—graduates earn just $14,647, placing them in the bottom 10% statewide and 5th percentile nationally. While debt levels aren't extreme at $21,709, that still means owing 1.5 times your first year's earnings, creating immediate financial stress for graduates. The 143% earnings jump to $35,573 by year four offers some recovery, but that four-year wait is longer than many families can comfortably manage, especially given the university's high Pell Grant population (39%).

The small sample size here matters significantly—we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could swing considerably with just a handful of different outcomes. That said, the gap between Cleveland State and Ohio's stronger programs is substantial: Miami University grads earn $34,701 in their first year, nearly 2.4 times what Cleveland State grads make. Even Ohio State's more typical $28,172 represents double the earning power right out of college.

For families counting on immediate post-graduation income—whether to service debt, contribute to household expenses, or build financial independence—this program presents serious practical challenges. The eventual rebound suggests graduates find their footing, but that initial earning period could strain budgets considerably. Unless your student has strong family financial support to bridge those early years, or plans immediately for graduate school where these bachelor's earnings won't matter as much, this particular path carries meaningful near-term risk.