Applied Mathematics at Cleveland State University

Comparable applied mathematics programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $61,000 with debt near $21,000—a manageable 0.34 ratio that looks reasonable on paper. The challenge? Ohio's applied math programs typically deliver significantly stronger outcomes, with median earnings of $82,500 and lower debt around $15,000. Ohio State's program, for instance, reports that higher figure. This gap raises questions about whether Cleveland State's version will match national patterns or underperform relative to Ohio's stronger mathematical job market.

The debt load itself isn't alarming for a STEM field, and the school's 95% admission rate means accessibility. But for an anxious parent, the concern is paying similar or higher debt for potentially lower earnings than peer programs across Ohio deliver. Applied mathematics should open doors to quantitative roles in finance, analytics, and tech—sectors where Ohio employers clearly pay premium salaries to graduates from established programs.

The uncertainty here matters. Without actual outcome data for Cleveland State's graduates, you're betting on whether this program connects students to Ohio's better-paying quantitative jobs or whether they'll trend toward national averages that lag the state by $20,000. If your child can access one of Ohio's programs with proven earnings in the $80k+ range, that's a clearer path. Otherwise, dig into Cleveland State's career placement specifically—where do their applied math graduates actually land?