Educational Administration and Supervision at Cleveland State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Cleveland State delivers surprisingly strong earnings for an Educational Administration and Supervision bachelor's—outpacing 89% of similar programs nationally. While this places the school in the middle tier among Ohio's six programs (60th percentile), the absolute numbers tell a more positive story: graduates here actually earn more than the state median and carry slightly higher debt ($26,900 vs. $23,000 statewide), but that premium buys you about $6,000 more in annual earnings compared to typical Ohio programs.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 means graduates face roughly eight months of first-year salary in debt—manageable territory, especially given the steady 9% earnings growth to $42,364 by year four. This trajectory suggests the degree opens doors to stable employment, likely in school district administrative roles or related educational settings. The 95% admission rate and high Pell grant enrollment (39%) indicate Cleveland State serves many first-generation and lower-income students who need accessible pathways into education careers.
For parents worried about return on investment, this program delivers above-average outcomes at a reasonable debt level. The consistent earnings across Ohio State campuses suggest some standardization in educational administration hiring, but Cleveland State graduates still command competitive salaries. If your child wants to work in school administration and needs an affordable, accessible program in Northeast Ohio, this is a solid bet.
Where Cleveland State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all educational administration and supervision bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Cleveland State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Cleveland State University graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 89th percentile of all educational administration and supervision bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Educational Administration and Supervision bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland State University | $38,766 | $42,364 | $26,900 | 0.69 |
| Ohio State University-Lima Campus | $36,487 | $35,856 | $23,000 | 0.63 |
| Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus | $36,487 | $35,856 | $23,000 | 0.63 |
| Ohio State University-Marion Campus | $36,487 | $35,856 | $23,000 | 0.63 |
| Ohio State University-Newark Campus | $36,487 | $35,856 | $23,000 | 0.63 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $36,487 | $35,856 | $23,000 | 0.63 |
| National Median | $37,480 | — | $31,298 | 0.84 |
Other Educational Administration and Supervision Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University-Lima Campus Lima | $9,212 | $36,487 | $23,000 |
| Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus Mansfield | $9,212 | $36,487 | $23,000 |
| Ohio State University-Marion Campus Marion | $9,212 | $36,487 | $23,000 |
| Ohio State University-Newark Campus Newark | $9,212 | $36,487 | $23,000 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus | $12,859 | $36,487 | $23,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cleveland State University, approximately 39% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 30 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.