Computer Engineering at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State's Computer Engineering program produces graduates earning $68,852 in their first year—about $10,000 below the national median but right in the middle for Ohio. At the 40th percentile statewide, it trails the flagship programs at Ohio State and Cincinnati by roughly $15,000 annually, but graduates earn comparable salaries to Wright State and Akron alumni while carrying similar debt loads. The 95% admission rate and lower average SAT scores suggest this program serves a broader student population than Ohio's selective engineering schools, yet still delivers functional engineering outcomes.

The financial fundamentals look reasonable for families focused on affordability. With $25,547 in median debt and first-year earnings above $68,000, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37. The 12% earnings growth to $77,292 by year four shows steady career progression, though the program won't likely propel graduates into the highest-paying engineering roles reserved for Ohio State or Cincinnati alumni.

For students who may not gain admission to Ohio's top-tier engineering programs, Cleveland State offers a practical path into computer engineering without excessive debt. The earnings won't match elite programs, but they're solid for Ohio and sufficient to comfortably manage student loans. Families should understand they're trading some earning potential for accessibility—a fair exchange if your child needs a more open-admission option to launch an engineering career.