Chemical Engineering at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State's chemical engineering program delivers solid middle-class outcomes at a remarkably affordable price. Starting at $69,043—just below Ohio's median—graduates carry only $28,826 in debt, which puts the program in the 95th percentile nationally for keeping debt low. That 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can expect to earn more than twice their debt load in their first year, a healthy foundation for financial stability.

The earnings trajectory shows steady improvement, reaching $77,355 by year four, though the program doesn't quite match the six-figure potential of Ohio's elite engineering schools like Case Western or Cincinnati. Still, ranking in the 40th percentile among Ohio's 16 chemical engineering programs isn't cause for concern when you factor in the significantly lower debt burden. Students here are avoiding the heavy loans that can come with more selective programs while still entering a well-paying field with clear growth potential.

For families prioritizing an engineering degree without excessive debt—particularly those benefiting from Cleveland State's accessible admissions and strong support for Pell-eligible students—this represents a practical path into the profession. You're not getting top-tier outcomes, but you're also not gambling with outsized debt on a volatile job market.