Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences at Cleveland State University

Based on comparable geoscience programs in Ohio, Cleveland State's graduates face a manageable financial picture—an estimated $19,500 in debt against first-year earnings around $38,637. That 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would typically dedicate about six months of gross income to clearing their student loans, which is reasonable compared to many fields. The debt figure is notably lower than the national median of $24,757 for geoscience programs, suggesting Cleveland State may be controlling costs effectively.

The earnings estimate puts Cleveland State graduates right at the Ohio median for this field, though slightly below what larger state universities like Ohio State ($41,156) or Kent State ($40,005) report. That's not necessarily alarming—geoscience starting salaries bunch fairly tightly in Ohio, and the profession values field skills and connections as much as institutional prestige. What matters more is whether Cleveland State's program provides the hands-on training, internship networks, and research opportunities that geoscience employers seek.

The real question is whether this specific program delivers what these estimates suggest. With such small cohorts that the DOE can't publish actual outcomes, you're looking at a program that graduates very few students each year. That could mean intimate mentorship and specialized attention, or it could signal limited resources and networking opportunities. Visit campus, talk to current students and faculty, and verify that Cleveland State's geology program offers the fieldwork and industry connections your student needs to reach these typical outcomes.