History at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State's History program delivers slightly below-average national outcomes but holds its own within Ohio's competitive landscape. At $29,535 first-year earnings, graduates trail the national median by about $1,700, yet they outperform 60% of Ohio history programs—a meaningful advantage for families focused on staying in-state. The $25,000 debt burden sits right in line with both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 that's manageable, though not impressive. This outcome reflects Cleveland State's open-access mission (95% admission rate) and its student body, where 39% receive Pell grants.

The practical takeaway: Cleveland State won't deliver top-tier history earnings—it sits well below Ohio leaders like Akron ($32,577) and Cincinnati ($31,217)—but it offers a reasonable path for students who need affordable access to a four-year degree. The gap between first-year and national median earnings amounts to about $140 monthly before taxes, which matters but isn't disqualifying. For families weighing Cleveland State against regional alternatives, recognize that this program performs solidly within its tier while serving students who often face financial constraints. The moderate sample size suggests stable data, and the debt level won't create crushing burdens even with humanities-level earnings.