Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State's electrical engineering program sits in an uncomfortable spot: graduates start around $69,000—below the national median but right at Ohio's average—while carrying slightly more debt than typical. What's more telling is where this lands compared to other Ohio options. Every major engineering school in the state delivers stronger first-year outcomes, with Case Western and Toledo graduates earning $14,000-$17,000 more right out of the gate. The 5th percentile ranking nationally confirms this isn't about Ohio being a lower-wage state; it's about this program specifically underperforming.

The good news is that earnings growth looks solid at 26% over four years, reaching nearly $87,000. The debt load of $27,000 is manageable with a 0.39 debt-to-earnings ratio, so graduates aren't drowning financially. But you're essentially paying similar money (slightly more debt than state median) for access to lower-tier engineering outcomes in a field where your starting salary matters significantly for career trajectory.

For a student admitted to multiple Ohio engineering programs, the math favors those ranked higher. If Cleveland State is the only acceptance or location is critical, the fundamentals work—engineering degrees generally pay off—but temper expectations about compensation compared to peers at Ohio State, Cincinnati, or Toledo. The 95% admission rate suggests accessibility, but in engineering, outcomes vary meaningfully by program strength.